How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost? Your Complete Pricing Guide

Quick Answer: Most professional spray tans cost between $25 and $75 per session. Spray tan booths usually cost $25–45, custom airbrush spray tans typically range from $45–85+, and mobile spray tanning services often cost $65–125+. Your final price depends on where you live, the experience of your spray tan artist, and the type of service you choose.

If you've never had a spray tan before, seeing prices anywhere from $25 to more than $100 can be confusing.

Is the expensive spray tan actually better? Is an airbrush spray tan worth paying more for? And if you love having bronzed skin year-round, does getting a professional spray tan every week really make financial sense?

The truth is, the price alone doesn't tell the whole story.

After years of working as a certified spray tan artist, our co-founder Toni learned that what you're really paying for isn't just the tanning solution. You're paying for experience, customization, technique, and how your tan looks several days later, not just when you walk out of the salon.

Before helping create MAKAI, Toni spent years custom mixing spray tan solutions based on each client's skin tone, undertones, and desired results. That experience gave us a unique perspective on what makes a spray tan worth paying for and when an at-home self tanner simply makes more sense.

Whether you're getting a spray tan for your wedding, vacation, photoshoot, or simply because you enjoy having a healthy glow year-round, this guide will help you understand exactly what to expect before booking your appointment.

If you're new to spray tanning, we also recommend reading our Spray Tanning 101: Everything You Need to Know in One Place guide before scheduling your first appointment.

How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost?

Most professional spray tans cost between $25 and $75, although premium services and mobile spray tanning can cost more.

Here's a quick breakdown of what you can expect to pay.

Average Spray Tan Prices

Spray Tan Type	Average Cost	Best For
Spray Tan Booth	$25–45	Quick appointments and budget-friendly tanning
Custom Airbrush Spray Tan	$45–85+	Weddings, vacations, photoshoots, and the most natural-looking results
Mobile Spray Tan	$65–125+	Convenience, bridal parties, hotels, and group events

Spray Tan Booth

Spray tan booths are usually the least expensive option.

They're automated, fast, and convenient, making them a great choice if you're looking for a quick tan without spending a lot of money.

Because the booth applies the same spray pattern to everyone, there's very little customization. Your results may still look great, but they won't be personalized to your skin tone or preferences.

Custom Airbrush Spray Tan

Custom airbrush spray tans cost more because every appointment is tailored to you.

A trained spray tan artist manually applies your tan, blending difficult areas like your hands, wrists, elbows, knees, feet, and face. They can also choose or mix a solution that complements your natural skin tone and the level of color you're hoping to achieve.

If you're getting married, heading on vacation, or taking professional photos, this is often the option worth investing in.

Mobile Spray Tan

Mobile spray tanning brings the salon directly to you.

Instead of driving across town, your spray tan artist comes to your home, hotel, or event location. You're paying for both the spray tan and the added convenience.

Mobile spray tans are especially popular for bridal parties, destination weddings, girls' trips, and vacation groups.

Why Is One Spray Tan $30 While Another Costs $80?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about professional spray tanning.

Many people assume every spray tan is basically the same. In reality, two salons charging very different prices may also deliver completely different experiences.

One thing Toni learned after years of spray tanning clients is that a beautiful spray tan starts long before the tanning solution ever touches your skin.

Every client has different undertones, different skin types, and different goals. Some wanted a subtle vacation glow. Others wanted a deeper bronze for competitions, weddings, or photoshoots.

Giving everyone the exact same solution simply wasn't an option.

Instead, Toni carefully evaluated each client's skin and custom mixed formulas so returning clients could achieve the same beautiful color every single appointment.

That's one of the biggest differences between an experienced spray tan artist and someone who's just starting out.

You're not simply paying for a darker tan.

You're paying for consistency, experience, customization, and a tan that's designed to fade naturally over the following week.

What Actually Affects the Cost of a Spray Tan?

Several factors influence what you'll ultimately pay for a professional spray tan.

Your Location

Spray tan prices vary depending on where you live. Larger cities generally have higher prices than suburban or rural salons because operating costs are higher.

The Experience of Your Spray Tan Artist

Experienced spray tan artists often charge more because they've spent years perfecting their technique.

They're more likely to understand color matching, application techniques, skin undertones, and how different solutions develop on different skin types.

The Quality of the Tanning Solution

Higher-quality tanning solutions often:

• Develop into a more natural-looking color.
• Feel less sticky after application.
• Have a lighter scent.
• Fade more evenly.
• Last longer with proper skincare.

Premium salons usually invest in better solutions, which naturally increases the price of the service.

Add-On Services

Many salons also offer optional upgrades that increase your final bill.

• Rapid rinse formulas
• Barrier creams
• Drying powder
• Scent boosters
• Tan extenders

While these upgrades aren't always necessary, they can improve your overall experience depending on your preferences.

The Hidden Costs of a Spray Tan

The advertised price of a spray tan rarely tells the whole story.

Most people compare salons by looking at the appointment price alone. In reality, gratuity, aftercare products, travel, and the time it takes to visit a salon all contribute to the true cost of maintaining a spray tan.

If you're only getting a spray tan before a vacation or special event, these additional costs probably aren't a big concern. But if being tan is part of your weekly or monthly routine, they're worth factoring into your budget.

Tipping Your Spray Tan Artist

If you're receiving a custom airbrush spray tan, tipping is generally expected.

Most clients tip between 15% and 20%, just like they would for other beauty services.

Spray Tan Price	Typical Tip	Total Cost
$50	$8–10	$58–60
$60	$9–12	$69–72
$75	$11–15	$86–90

Aftercare Products

Your spray tan is only as good as the skincare routine that follows it.

Many people purchase products like:

• Gentle sulfate-free body wash
• Daily moisturizer
• Tan extenders
• An exfoliating mitt for their next application

While these products aren't mandatory, they can help your tan fade more evenly and last longer.

If you're getting ready for your appointment, our guide on How to Prep for a Spray Tan walks through everything you should do beforehand.

Your Time

One hidden cost almost nobody talks about is time.

Driving to the salon, waiting for your appointment, getting sprayed, drying off, and driving home can easily take an hour or more.

Some people genuinely enjoy making it part of their self-care routine.

Others eventually decide they'd rather spend that time relaxing at home and applying their tan whenever it's convenient.

---

How Much Does It Cost to Stay Tan All Year?

If you're only getting one or two spray tans each year, the overall cost probably isn't something you think much about.

But if you enjoy having bronzed skin throughout the year, it's worth taking a step back and looking at what those appointments add up to over time.

This is often the moment when people realize the true cost isn't one spray tan. It's paying for dozens of them every year.

If You Tan...	Average Annual Cost*	Best For
Once Per Month	~$600	Occasional tanning
Every Two Weeks	~$1,300	Maintaining a consistent glow
Every Week	~$2,600	Year-round tanning

*Based on a $50 spray tan before gratuity.

If your spray tan costs closer to $70 each visit, your yearly investment can easily exceed $3,600.

That doesn't mean spray tanning isn't worth it. It simply means that if staying tan has become part of your lifestyle, there may be another option that's both more convenient and more affordable.

---

When Does a Self Tanner Become the Better Value?

This is one of the questions we're asked most often.

Our answer is simple.

If you're getting a tan for one special event, book the spray tan.

Seriously.

If you're getting married, heading on vacation, attending a formal event, or taking professional photos, a skilled spray tan artist is worth every penny.

But if you've realized you simply enjoy having bronzed skin all the time, the math eventually starts changing.

A quality self tanner costs about the same as a single professional spray tan while providing multiple full-body applications.

Our Travel Size Self-Tanning Mousse, for example, is TSA-approved and provides multiple salon-inspired applications from one bottle. It's perfect for vacations, weekends away, or anyone wanting to experience MAKAI for the first time.

Instead of scheduling appointments every week or two, many people simply spend a few minutes applying their tan whenever it fits into their day.

For someone who tans regularly, the biggest savings often come from convenience just as much as cost.

Professional Spray Tan	Quality Self Tanner
Perfect for weddings and special occasions	Perfect for maintaining a year-round glow
Requires appointments	Apply whenever it's convenient
Custom applied by an artist	Easy to apply at home
Higher long-term cost	Multiple applications from one bottle
Great for one-time events	Excellent long-term value

 

---

From Our Experience

One question people often ask us is why we created MAKAI if Toni was already a professional spray tan artist.

The answer is actually pretty simple.

Toni loved spray tanning.

She spent years helping clients feel more confident by giving them beautiful, custom airbrush tans. She wasn't the cheapest spray tan artist in town, but her clients kept coming back because they knew every appointment would be personalized.

She carefully evaluated each person's skin tone, mixed custom formulas, and worked hard to give them the same beautiful tan every single visit.

Then something unexpected started happening.

Clients began moving away.

And they all asked the same question.

"Is there any way I can still get a Toni tan?"

Obviously, flying across the country every few weeks wasn't realistic.

So Patt started researching whether it was possible to recreate that same natural-looking spray tan in a bottle.

The goal wasn't to replace professional spray tanning.

The goal was to create a self tanner that looked as close as possible to Toni's custom airbrush tans. One that developed beautifully, felt less sticky, smelled better, and faded naturally.

After months of testing and refining the formula, MAKAI was born.

That philosophy still guides every product we make today.

---

Is a Spray Tan Worth It?

For most people, absolutely.

A professional spray tan can be one of the fastest ways to boost your confidence before:

• Weddings
• Vacations
• Photoshoots
• Graduations
• Holiday parties
• Special events

But we'd also encourage you to think beyond your next appointment.

If you're only tanning a few times each year, we'd happily recommend finding a talented spray tan artist.

If you've discovered you love having bronzed skin every week, an at-home self tanner usually becomes the smarter long-term investment.

Neither choice is wrong.

It simply comes down to your lifestyle, your budget, and how often you enjoy having a tan.

---

Our Best Advice Before Booking a Spray Tan

If Toni could give every bride or first-time client one piece of advice, it would be this.

Never skip your trial tan.

If you're getting married, schedule your trial spray tan about two weeks before your wedding.

That gives you time to:

• Decide whether you'd like to go lighter or darker.
• Make sure you're comfortable with your spray tan artist.
• See exactly how your tan develops and fades.
• Know your tan is one less thing to worry about on your wedding day.

Exfoliating the night before your appointment is another simple step that can make a huge difference in how evenly your tan develops.

For more bridal tanning advice, read our guide on How to Get the Perfect Wedding Tan.

If you're planning a girls' trip before the wedding, don't miss our Ultimate Bachelorette Party Checklist.

---

How Much Does a Spray Tan Cost in Different States?

One reason you'll see such a wide range of spray tan prices online is because costs vary depending on where you live.

Salons in large metropolitan areas typically charge more than salons in smaller cities or suburban communities because rent, labor, and operating expenses are higher.

Location	Typical Spray Tan Price
Major Cities (New York, Los Angeles, Miami)	$60–100+
Large Metro Areas (Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix)	$45–80
Suburban Areas	$35–65
Small Towns & Rural Areas	$25–50

Keep in mind these are general averages. An experienced spray tan artist with years of experience may charge significantly more than someone who's just getting started, regardless of where they're located.

If you're shopping around, don't compare salons on price alone.

Take a few minutes to read reviews, look through before-and-after photos, and find someone whose work matches the look you're going for. Spending an extra $15 or $20 on an experienced artist is often well worth it, especially if you're getting a spray tan for a wedding, vacation, or another important event.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spray Tan Costs

Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from first-time spray tan clients.

How much does a spray tan usually cost?

Most professional spray tans cost between $25 and $75 per session.

Spray tan booths generally range from $25 to $45, custom airbrush spray tans usually cost $45 to $85+, and mobile spray tanning services often range from $65 to $125+.

Why are some spray tans more expensive than others?

Several factors affect the price, including:

• Your location
• The experience of your spray tan artist
• The quality of the tanning solution
• Whether you choose a booth or custom airbrush tan
• Mobile service convenience
• Premium upgrades like rapid rinse formulas

In our experience, you're rarely paying more simply because of the tanning solution. You're paying for the artist's ability to customize your color, blend difficult areas naturally, and create a tan that fades beautifully.

Should I tip my spray tan artist?

Yes.

If you're receiving a custom airbrush spray tan, tipping is generally expected. Most clients leave between 15% and 20%, just like they would for other beauty services.

How long does a spray tan last?

Most spray tans last between 7 and 10 days, although proper preparation and aftercare can help extend your results.

To keep your tan looking its best:

• Moisturize every day.
• Avoid harsh exfoliants.
• Pat your skin dry after showering.
• Avoid long, hot baths.
• Stay hydrated.

For more tips, read our guide on How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?.

Are spray tan memberships worth it?

If you're getting spray tans every week or every other week, memberships can reduce the cost per appointment.

If you only spray tan before vacations or special occasions, paying individually usually makes more sense.

Is a professional spray tan better than using self tanner?

Neither option is universally better. They simply fit different lifestyles.

If you're preparing for a wedding, vacation, or another important event, we'd absolutely recommend a professional spray tan from an experienced artist.

If you enjoy having bronzed skin throughout the year, a quality self tanner usually provides much better long-term value while allowing you to tan whenever it's convenient.

Can a self tanner really look like a professional spray tan?

Absolutely.

Today's premium self tanners have come a long way. In fact, MAKAI was inspired by years of professional spray tanning experience. Rather than trying to replace spray tans, we wanted to create an at-home formula that captured the same natural-looking color, beautiful fade, and comfortable wear people loved from Toni's custom spray tans.

What if I don't like my spray tan?

It happens.

If your spray tan develops darker than expected or starts fading unevenly, there are several safe ways to remove or lighten it.

We've put together a complete guide on How to Remove Fake Tan: Best Methods & Tips to help you remove your tan safely and evenly.

---

Final Thoughts

If you're only looking for a tan before a vacation, wedding, or another special occasion, a professional spray tan is absolutely worth considering.

A skilled spray tan artist can customize your color, blend difficult areas naturally, and help you achieve beautiful, confidence-boosting results.

But if you've discovered that you simply enjoy having bronzed skin throughout the year, it's worth thinking beyond the cost of a single appointment.

Between repeat visits, gratuity, travel, and aftercare products, the yearly cost of professional spray tanning can add up much faster than most people expect.

That's exactly why MAKAI exists.

When Toni's longtime clients started moving away, they all asked the same question.

"How can I still get a Toni tan?"

That simple question inspired Patt to spend months researching and developing a formula that captured everything clients loved about Toni's custom spray tans. The goal was never to replace professional spray tanning. It was to give people another way to achieve the same natural-looking glow whenever they wanted.

Today, that mission hasn't changed.

Whether you prefer visiting a salon or tanning at home, we simply want to help you feel confident in your own skin.

If you're looking for an affordable way to maintain your glow between appointments, our Travel Size Self-Tanning Mousse is a great place to start. It's TSA-approved, travel-friendly, and delivers multiple salon-inspired applications from a single bottle.

You can also explore our complete collection of self tanners, activewear, and loungewear by visiting the MAKAI homepage.

---

Related Articles

Looking to learn more about spray tanning and self tanning? These guides are a great next step.

---