Island Retreat Spa and Salon Massage Therapy Provider Bald Head Iand, NC · Part time Company website

Island Retreat Spa & Salon is seeking a licensed massage therapist to join our coastal spa team on Bald Head Island, NC!

About Island Retreat Spa and Salon

The Spa and Wellness industry is growing at an exponential rate. Similarly to food service, careers in health, wellness, fitness and self-care services are often wrought with contradicting work environments. At Island Retreat, your health is important to us, a positive, uplifting environment and a near-magical maritime forest awaits. THE ISLAND Located in Southeastern NC, Bald Head Island is the northernmost subtropical island along the East Coast - with several species of palm trees, old-growth live oaks, alligators and loggerhead sea turtle nesting areas. The year-round population hovers between 300-500 annual residents, with several thousand part-time residents (up to 6mo. out of the year) and of course, the transient homeowners, renters, and day trippers. COMMUTE Most employees and staff live off-island in other small cities in Brunswick County, NC including Southport, Leland, Oak Island, Belville, Boiling Spring Lakes and Shallotte/Supply. Many also live in Wilmington, NC including our owners. The commute via Passenger Ferry is half the fun! Travel to Southport, NC for most staff ranges from 5-50min and a 20min ferry ride rounds out most commutes from 30min-1.5hrs. Is the commute worth it? We sure think so, but you will only know if you come visit and experience the island firsthand. TEAMWORK ENVIRONMENT Our employees and independent staff work in sync as a team. Though there are multiple types of employment at Island Retreat, we expect our staff to treat one another with respect, dignity and professionalism at all times - all while maintaining an all-for-one and one-for-all mindset.  SALARY, PAY & OUR LIVING-WAGE PROMISE In both the hospitality and salon industries, tip-based pay is commonplace. Our payment structure for all Spa Team members includes more than a measly minimum wage that expects tips to fill the compensation gap. All staff are paid more than the federal minimum wage, plus tips, plus opportunities for additional income through retail sales, event bonus pay and more. We believe that earning a Living Wage is a Human Right (not a privilege) and our Promise is to offer compensation plans that allow our full-time and even part-time staff enough income to live more comfortably. PERSONAL GROWTH What does the next step in your career look like? We want to know you, explore your goals, and establish a plan to help you achieve them. PERKS & BENEFITS Our employees and staff enjoy: - 30% off Services and Products - Company-provided Uniform tops - Regular Staff Meals - Annual Staff Retreat - Parking Costs Covered - Ferry Costs Covered - Continuing education cost-share - In-house training Our full-time (40+ hours/week) Employees enjoy: - 401(k) benefits - Healthcare perks - Paid Time Off

Description

Island Retreat Spa & Salon is seeking a licensed massage therapist to join our coastal spa team on Bald Head Island, NC!


We offer a supportive, professional environment with strong earning potential during peak season and stable base pay year-round. We have a fun, unique island environment that offers a revitalizing daily commute via passenger ferry and golf cart! Enjoy ocean breezes (and dolphin sightings!) on your way to work, and embrace the island's resort-like culture, all while less than an hour away from Wilmington.


What We Offer


  • Consistent booking demand in peak season (April-October) ie. 5-7 treatments per day
  • Steady, but manageable workload in slow season (November-March), i.e. 2-4 treatments per day
  • Honest, transparent pay structure (see below)
  • No-pressure sales culture
  • Supportive operations team
  • Opportunity for leadership growth over time
  • Free uniform top & spa merch
  • Staff snacks and occasional meals provided
  • 30% employee discount
  • Company-sponsored training
  • Ferry transportation fees covered by business


Job Requirements


  • NC massage therapy license (required) We'd love to work with you if you're from out of state, but please be sure to contact the NC BMBT to transfer your license to NC before applying!
  • Professional, guest-focused attitude
  • Reliability and teamwork
  • Willingness to commute to an island environment (rain or shine!)
  • Ability to work weekends/peak season dates (spa is always closed on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, 3 days at Christmas, and on July 4th) Expect to work the days leading up to/just after each holiday.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs 
  • Hospitality-focused attitude
  • Someone capable of at least three of these modalities offered at the Spa, including: deep tissue/sports massage, therapeutic massage, Swedish massage, myofascial release therapy, reiki, acupressure, hot stone massage, percussion (Theragun) or similar; cupping and-or IASTM/gua sha 


Compensation Plan:

Effective Hourly Pay (Peak Season, April-October): $50–$85/hr ++

(Base hourly + service commission) and (+guest gratuities + retail commission additional!)


Effective Hourly Pay (Off-Season, November-March): $35-$55/hr ++

(Base hourly + service commission) AND (+guest gratuities + retail commission additional!)


Compensation Breakdown:


  • Base hourly pay: from $15–18/hr, based on experience, references + modalities offered
  • Service commission: 20–25% based on experience, references + modalities offered
  • Cash/Venmo guest tips paid directly to therapist (typically 18-30% tips on BHI with our generous customer base) and credit card guest tips paid at payroll date (minus CC processing fee)
  • Add-on commission opportunities (treatment upgrades, etc)
  • Add-on retail commission (no minimum sales requirement)
  • Seasonal earning potential is comparable and often exceeds luxury franchise spas
  • Performance-based and team bonuses offered occasionally


Who we are:

Island Retreat Spa is a privately-owned coastal luxury day spa who services resort/seasonal visitors, a strong year-round local homeowner base (hooray for regulars!) and an ever-growing day-tripper clientele for curious Wilmington-area locals. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, high treatment quality, and for having professional, dedicated staff. We aim to have fun, but work hard! 


We source premium retail including luxury PJ's by Eberjey and USA-made Beyond Yoga. We work with Eminence Organic skincare, feature hemp-infused beverages and supplements, stock resort-inspired jewelry, and sell clean, all-natural makeup and more!


Our facility is simple, modern luxury and features premium spa linens, a cozy tranquility lounge and infrared sauna. Expanded amenities are planned for later in 2026. ;) 


Who we want on our team:

Career pros who have big hearts focused on providing nurturing, effective bodywork and energy care. This can either be your full-time gig (starting mid-March/early April for FT) or a strong, part-time side hustle. As long as you love what you do, stay positive and work professionally and courteously, we would love to have you join our team! We aim for a drama-free work environment, so leave the nonsense at home and enjoy your day on a beautiful island! 

Salary

$250 - $850 per day