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Aromatherapist

Alternative titles for this job include

Aromatherapists use essential oils to help improve their clients' emotional wellbeing and relieve everyday stresses.

Average salary (a year)

Variable

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends as customers demand

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Aromatherapist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could take a foundation degree or degree in complementary therapies or complementary healthcare. These include units on aromatherapy.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course like:

  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies
  • Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Aromatherapy for the Complimentary Therapist

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could do a wellbeing and holistic therapist advanced apprenticeship.

This typically takes around 20 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could register with an accredited organisation, like the:

Further information

You can find out more about working in aromatherapy from the International Federation of Aromatherapists.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • active listening skills
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • customer service skills
  • a desire to help people
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you may:

  • explain treatments to the client
  • take details of the client's medical history, diet and lifestyle
  • select the oils you feel are appropriate for helping the client
  • blend and keep a record of the oils you use
  • apply oils during massage treatment
  • supply blended oils and instructions for clients to use at home
  • refer clients to their GP when necessary

Working environment

You could work at a health spa, from home, at a client's home or in a therapy clinic.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience as a self-employed aromatherapist, you could set up your business at home or at other premises or visit clients in their homes.

With further training, you could offer additional treatments to increase your income, like reflexology or massage.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an Aromatherapist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy

  • Provider: FARNBOROUGH COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Farnborough

VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 21 April 2026
  • Location: Brighton
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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