Salon suite vs booth rental vs commission full cost breakdown

If you're a beauty professional weighing your next move, the decision between leasing a salon suite, renting a booth, or staying in a commission-based salon is one of the most important career choices you’ll make. Each setup offers different levels of independence, control, and earning potential. But beyond that, each model comes with its own set of costs, both upfront and long-term. At STL Aesthetics, we work with stylists and service providers at every level of their journey, and we believe the best decision is the one that fits your income goals, work style, and business vision.

Commission-Based Salons: Low Risk, Less Control

In a commission-based setup, you’re typically employed or contracted by a salon and paid a percentage of the services you provide. Most commission rates fall between 40 to 60 percent, depending on the salon’s structure and your experience level. The appeal of this model is that there are few financial responsibilities. The salon typically provides the space, products, booking system, and marketing. You simply show up, perform services, and go home with a paycheck.

However, what you gain in ease, you give up in control. You likely won’t be able to set your own prices, create a unique brand, or choose which products you use. And even though you’re earning a percentage, the amount you keep is often significantly less than what you could take home as an independent business owner. Over time, this can cap your income, especially if your client base is strong and loyal.

Booth Rental A Step Toward Independence

Booth rental offers more freedom than a commission-based model but still comes with a shared space and some limitations. In this setup, you pay a weekly or monthly fee, usually ranging between $150 to $300. To rent a chair or station inside someone else’s salon. You operate as an independent contractor, meaning you are responsible for your own bookings, supplies, pricing, and marketing.

The biggest benefit of booth rental is that you keep 100 percent of your earnings. This can significantly increase your income if you’re consistently booked. However, you are still operating within someone else’s environment, which means you often follow their salon rules, hours, and aesthetic. You also share common areas and resources, which can lead to some friction or competition with other stylists if not well managed.

Financially, booth rental can be more profitable than commission-based work, especially for stylists with an established clientele. But it also introduces fixed costs and responsibilities that require business planning and discipline to manage well.

Private Salon Suites Full Ownership and Maximum Profit Potential

Leasing a private salon suite is the most independent option and is ideal for beauty professionals who want full control over their business. In a suite, you are the sole owner of your space, your brand, and your schedule. You decide your service menu, set your prices, choose your products, and design the entire client experience from start to finish.

The cost of leasing a salon suite is typically higher than booth rental, with most professionals paying between $250 to $500 per week, depending on location, suite size, and amenities. In addition to rent, you will need to invest in furnishings, supplies, software, and marketing. However, the return on investment is often much greater. You keep 100 percent of your revenue and have the freedom to grow your business however you like. Many suite owners raise their service rates and sell retail products more successfully because the experience feels more exclusive and customized for the client.

While salon suites require more planning and responsibility, they also offer the highest income ceiling, the strongest brand potential, and the most flexibility in your work-life schedule.

Which Model is Right for You?

Commission-based salons are a great choice for newer professionals who want to gain experience without the stress of running a business. Booth rental is ideal for those who are ready to operate independently but want the simplicity of working within a shared space. Salon suites are best suited for stylists and service providers who are ready to take ownership of their business, income, and brand from top to bottom.

As you weigh your options, consider your client base, financial goals, comfort with responsibility, and long-term vision. Each path has value, but if you're looking to grow your brand, keep more of what you earn, and build something truly your own, a salon suite may be the right fit.

Make the Smart Move with STL Aesthetics

At STL Aesthetics, we make it easy to step into salon suite ownership with confidence. Our private suites are modern, flexible, and built to support beauty professionals who are ready for more freedom and financial growth. Whether you’re moving from commission or booth rental, we’ll walk you through what to expect and help you make the transition smoothly.

If you're comparing salon suite vs booth rental options and want a clear path toward more control and profit, contact STL Aesthetics today. Your next chapter starts here.