This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating business plan for a massage salon.
Our business plan for a massage salon will help you build a profitable project
Opening a massage salon is exciting, but figuring out what equipment you need can feel overwhelming.
The tricky part is knowing exactly what to buy without going broke or missing something crucial.
Every massage salon has different needs, and equipment costs can quickly spiral out of control if you're not careful about planning.
Complete Massage Salon Equipment List
Opening a successful massage salon requires careful planning and the right equipment. This comprehensive list covers everything you need to get your massage salon up and running.
Massage Tables & Furniture
- Massage tables (stationary) - Essential foundation for professional treatments
- Massage chairs (portable) - Provides flexibility for different service types
- Face cradles - Ensures client comfort during prone treatments
- Adjustable stools - Proper therapist positioning and ergonomics
- Side tables - Convenient storage for oils and supplies during sessions
- Reception desk - Professional client check-in and administrative area
- Waiting area chairs - Comfortable seating for clients before appointments
- Storage cabinets - Organized space for linens and supplies
- Lockers - Secure storage for client belongings during treatments
Linens & Textiles
- Massage sheets - High-quality cotton or bamboo for comfort
- Towels (various sizes) - Face towels, hand towels, and bath towels
- Blankets - Warm coverage for client comfort during treatments
- Pillowcases - Fresh covers for face cradles and bolsters
- Table protectors - Waterproof covers to protect massage tables
- Robes - Client comfort between treatments and changing
- Disposable sheets - Hygienic option for certain treatments
Massage Oils & Products
- Massage oils - Various types including unscented and aromatherapy blends
- Lotions and creams - Different textures for various massage techniques
- Essential oils - Aromatherapy enhancement for relaxation treatments
- Hot stone oils - Specialized products for hot stone massage
- Sanitizing wipes - Quick cleaning between clients for equipment
- Antibacterial gel - Hand sanitizer for therapists and clients
Specialized Equipment
- Hot stone heater - Maintains proper temperature for stone massage
- Hot towel cabinet - Steams towels for facial and relaxation treatments
- Essential oil diffuser - Creates aromatherapy ambiance in treatment rooms
- Heat lamps - Provides targeted warmth during treatments
- Bolsters and pillows - Supports client positioning and comfort
- Massage tools - Includes wooden tools, rollers, and specialty implements
- Cupping sets - Traditional therapy equipment for specialized treatments
Climate & Ambiance
- Sound system - Plays relaxing music throughout the salon
- Dimmer lights - Adjustable lighting for relaxation atmosphere
- Air purifier - Maintains clean air quality in treatment rooms
- Heating/cooling system - Climate control for year-round comfort
- Humidifier - Maintains optimal humidity levels for skin comfort
- Room dividers - Creates private spaces in open floor plans
Business Operations
- Cash register/POS system - Processes payments and tracks appointments
- Appointment book/software - Schedules and manages client bookings
- Credit card reader - Accepts various payment methods securely
- Phone system - Professional communication with clients
- Computer/tablet - Manages business operations and client records
- Printer - Produces receipts, forms, and appointment confirmations
Cleaning & Sanitation
- Washing machine - Cleans linens and towels on-site
- Dryer - Dries linens quickly for continuous operations
- Laundry baskets - Separates clean and dirty linens efficiently
- Disinfectant solutions - EPA-approved cleaners for equipment sanitization
- UV sanitizer - Advanced disinfection for tools and equipment
- Vacuum cleaner - Maintains clean floors in treatment areas
- Mop and bucket - Daily cleaning of hard surfaces
Safety & Compliance
- First aid kit - Handles minor injuries or emergencies
- Fire extinguisher - Required safety equipment by local codes
- Emergency lighting - Backup illumination during power outages
- Security system - Protects premises and client information
- Professional licenses display - Shows therapist certifications prominently
- Insurance documentation - Keeps liability coverage information accessible
Client Comfort Items
- Water dispenser - Provides hydration for clients before and after
- Magazines/reading material - Entertainment for waiting clients
- Tissue boxes - Convenient placement throughout salon areas
- Slippers - Disposable footwear for client hygiene
- Hair ties - Keeps long hair secured during treatments
- Eye masks - Blocks light during facial and relaxation treatments
Professional Supplies
- Uniforms/scrubs - Professional appearance for therapists
- Aprons - Protects clothing during oil-based treatments
- Non-slip shoes - Safety footwear for massage therapists
- Gloves (disposable) - Hygiene protection for certain treatments
- Name tags - Professional identification for staff members
Our financial plan for a massage salon will help you build a profitable project
What Equipment Budget Should You Plan?
Most massage salon owners spend between $15,000 and $75,000 on equipment, depending on their size and concept. You really can't go below $10,000 for even the smallest setup because you need quality massage tables, linens, and basic ambiance equipment just to operate professionally and safely.
- Small Home-Based Salon
A small home-based massage salon with 1-2 treatment rooms needs around $10,000-$25,000, and most of that budget goes toward professional massage tables and quality linens.
- Medium-Sized Salon
A medium-sized salon with 3-5 treatment rooms typically runs $25,000-$50,000, with more specialized equipment like hot stone heaters and advanced sound systems.
- Large Luxury Salon
A large luxury salon or spa with extensive offerings can easily hit $50,000-$75,000, especially when you add things like custom furniture and premium ambiance equipment.
Equipment Budget Examples
Small Home-Based Salon ($10,000 - $25,000)
Small massage salons focus on essential equipment that can handle daily appointments with quality and professionalism. The goal is getting reliable basics without overspending on features you won't use right away.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Tables | 2 professional stationary massage tables with adjustable height, 1 portable massage chair, face cradles and arm rests | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Linens & Textiles | Complete linen sets for 2 tables, towels in multiple sizes, blankets, robes, table protectors | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Oils & Products | Basic massage oil selection, essential oils, lotions, sanitizing supplies, aromatherapy blends | $800 - $1,500 |
| Ambiance Equipment | Sound system with speakers, dimming lights, essential oil diffuser, room temperature control | $1,200 - $2,500 |
| Business Equipment | Basic POS system, appointment scheduling software, phone system, simple reception area setup | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Storage & Furniture | Storage cabinets, side tables, stools, waiting area seating, lockers for client belongings | $1,000 - $2,000 |
| Cleaning & Laundry | Washer and dryer set, laundry supplies, cleaning equipment, sanitization tools | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Setup & Installation | Equipment delivery, basic room setup, initial inventory, permits and licensing | $1,000 - $2,000 |
Medium-Sized Salon ($25,000 - $50,000)
Medium massage salons need more capacity and specialized equipment to handle diverse treatments and higher client volume. You're investing in efficiency and the ability to offer more variety to customers.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Massage Tables & Chairs | 4-5 professional massage tables with premium features, 2 massage chairs, adjustable equipment with memory settings | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Specialized Equipment | Hot stone heater, hot towel cabinet, UV sanitizer, heat lamps, professional massage tools | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Premium Linens | High-quality organic cotton linens, multiple sets per table, luxury robes, premium towel collection | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Climate & Ambiance | Multi-zone sound system, professional lighting controls, air purification, humidity control systems | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Business Systems | Advanced POS with inventory tracking, online booking system, client management software, payment processing | $2,500 - $5,000 |
| Reception & Retail | Professional reception desk, comfortable waiting area, retail display for products, consultation rooms | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Premium Products | Extended oil and lotion selection, aromatherapy grade essential oils, specialized treatment products | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Installation & Training | Professional installation, staff training on equipment, permits and certifications, marketing setup | $2,000 - $4,000 |
Large Luxury Salon ($50,000 - $75,000)
Large luxury massage salons operate with premium equipment and specialized systems. The focus shifts to maximizing client experience, offering diverse treatments, and maintaining the highest professional standards.
| Equipment Category | What's Included | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Massage Equipment | 6-8 top-tier massage tables with memory foam, electric adjustment, built-in heating, luxury massage chairs | $10,000 - $15,000 |
| Advanced Spa Equipment | Multiple hot stone systems, steam cabinets, infrared therapy equipment, hydrotherapy features | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Luxury Ambiance Systems | Integrated sound and lighting control, chromotherapy lighting, waterfall features, premium air systems | $6,000 - $10,000 |
| Custom Furniture | Designer reception area, custom storage solutions, luxury waiting area, private consultation rooms | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Technology Integration | Comprehensive management software, automated booking systems, client apps, advanced payment processing | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Luxury Linens & Products | Organic luxury linens, extensive product lines, premium essential oils, custom aromatherapy blends | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Specialized Treatment Equipment | Cupping equipment, lymphatic drainage tools, specialized bodywork implements, treatment-specific furniture | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Professional Installation | Complete luxury installation, custom design implementation, staff certification, grand opening support | $4,000 - $8,000 |