The simple answer? Yes.

The more complex answer? YES!

Now listen, the argument could be made that I’m just trying to sell you on taking a second program. I am a school owner, after all.

But before I was a school owner, I was a Spa and Wellness Director for a prestigious country club (and who do you think did all the hiring?). Before that, I was a Spa Director at a four-diamond beach resort (ahem… still the one hiring). Before that, I was a Spa Consultant (oh geez, did I hire). Before that, I was an educator (no hiring there, but I did have to prepare students for the job market and hear firsthand about their experiences). Before that, I was a regional trainer for a world-renowned skincare line where I helped entrepreneurs open businesses, train staff, and—yep—hire. Before that, I was the lead hiring and training manager for another hotel (you guessed it… lots of hiring). Before that, I was a Lead Esthetician (less hiring, more interviewing and training). And before all of that, I was simply an Esthetician.

So yes, I own a school. But I also have over twenty years of experience in this industry, doing everything from working in the treatment room to managing multi-million-dollar operations.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Dual licensed practitioners have double the opportunities—for employment and for building a successful career.

Let’s Empathize with the Spa Owner for a Moment

Spas are not incredibly profitable businesses, by the way. I know that’s surprising to some people, but margins can actually be pretty tight.

Let’s say you’re a spa owner looking to expand your service menu. You need to hire both a massage therapist and an esthetician.

Now you’ve doubled your recruiting efforts.

That means paying job placement sites twice, spending twice the labor hours reviewing applications, scheduling interviews and second interviews, paying for background checks and drug screenings (which aren’t cheap), and then—after all that—you still have to train two completely different people.

Training is expensive.

Having two employees also doubles the risk that someone quits six months later, leaves with their clientele, or simply turns out not to be the right fit for your business.

Now imagine another scenario.

Someone walks through your door who holds both licenses.

One employee. Two revenue-generating skill sets.

From a business perspective, it’s almost a no-brainer.

What Does “Dual Licensed” Actually Mean?

Thankfully, this part is pretty simple.

A dual licensed provider is exactly what it sounds like: someone who holds two professional licenses.

Of course, some people go on to earn three or even four licenses, but then we’ve officially moved beyond “dual.”

In Florida, a dual licensed provider might combine two or more of the following:

• Esthetics (Facials)
• Massage Therapy
• Electrology
• Nail Technology
• Cosmetology
• Barbering

Some of the most common combinations we see are:

• Facials + Massage
• Facials + Electrology
• Facials + Nails

So…Which Combination Makes the Most Money?

That’s actually a tougher question than you might think.

If you’ve read my blog about schools making promises regarding practitioner income, you’ll already know where I’m going with this.

Before we can do the math, we have to look at three important factors:

1. Average treatment price
2. Job opportunities in your area
3. Seasonality

Average Cost Per Treatment

Every market is different, so you’ll want to research your own town. But to give you an example, in our area:

• The average facial or massage is approximately $125.
• An upscale nail service averages around $45.
• An electrolysis session averages around $85.

Electrology is a little unique, though. Many laser hair removal and electrolysis providers are paid hourly rather than by commission, with wages averaging somewhere between $20–30 per hour, depending on experience and the employer.

Spa Opportunities

What’s your local job market like?

Can you throw a rock and hit five spas, or are there only a handful within driving distance?

Compensation also varies significantly. Some spas pay commission (typically anywhere from 25% to 60%), while others pay an hourly wage or offer a combination of both.

Seasonality

Here in Florida, we’re what you call seasonal.

Summer tends to be very slow, and you’ll primarily see your local clientele.

October through December is what we call shoulder season, when business begins picking up as our seasonal residents return from up north.

Then comes peak season—January through April—when our snowbirds arrive along with their families, not to mention visitors escaping colder climates from across the country and around the world.

Business begins slowing again in late April and May, and by June through September, many spas experience their quietest months of the year.

Here’s where being dual licensed becomes incredibly valuable.

If you can perform multiple services, you’re much more likely to stay busy during slower months because you can meet a wider variety of client needs. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” appointment to fill your schedule, you have multiple ways to generate income.

And in this industry, flexibility is one of the greatest assets you can have.

At the end of the day, becoming dual licensed isn’t just about making more money—it’s about creating more opportunities for yourself. It gives you flexibility in where you work, the services you can offer, and how you build your career. It makes you more valuable to employers, gives you more options if you decide to become self-employed, and helps you weather the slower seasons that naturally come with this industry. Is it required to have two licenses? Absolutely not.

Plenty of practitioners build wonderful careers with just one. But if you’re looking to maximize your earning potential, expand your job opportunities, and give yourself every advantage possible, becoming dual licensed is one of the smartest investments you can make in your future. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint, and the more tools you have in your toolbox, the farther you’ll be able to go