Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
10 Reasons to Make a Smart Salon Career Move
Job benefits, career growth, flexibility, up to 70% commission and customized hands-on classes in hair color, blow dry, extensions, hair styling, texture, skin care, business building, consultation and more—explore all the reasons stylists and estheticians are switching to the Salon at Ulta Beauty.
August 6, 2019
In partnership with
3 min to read
Why Ulta, why now? Joining the passionate professionals at the largest beauty retailer and fastest growing salon brand in the country could be your smartest career move.
1. Generous Benefits
Enjoy paid time off that provides vacation time, personal time, sick time and paid holidays. Get the security of health, dental and vision insurance and flex-spending accounts, plus life and disability insurance, supplemental insurance, tuition reimbursement and parental leave. Benefits are available to eligible associates, and begin on the first day of active employment.
2. Beauty Playground
Come play! Enjoy a 25% discount on all Ulta Beauty retail products and tools throughout the store (cosmetics, too!) and 50% off salon services.
3. Healthy Business
Ulta is the largest beauty retailer in the United States. In a shifting retail landscape, Wall Street and financial reporters have celebrated Ulta as uniquely successful, with strong stores and growth (averaging 100 new locations per year since 2012), a mix of prestige, salon and mass brands, online and e-commerce innovation, and its focus and investment in salon services and experiences. Ulta made the Fortune 500 list in 2018 and CEO Mary Dillon was named on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women list. As of July 2019, Ulta stock is reported to have grown 42% so far in 2019 (source: S&P Global Market intelligence).
4. Education Excellence
118 full-time technical educators deliver customized in-salon education every month to support all 8,000+ stylists and 1,000+ skin therapists on every beauty service—styling, cutting, color, texture, grooming and more—with monthly classes inside every salon. Ulta Beauty’s award-winning Pro Team and Design Team are hands-on partners in collaborating, enhancing and teaching the curriculum, too.
5. More Money, More Money!
Ulta Beauty offers a competitive, lucrative compensation structure. Take total control of your earning potential, regardless of title or experience. Every tier—Stylist, Master and Elite—can earn up to 70% commission, based on weekly sales.
6. Personal Support
Beauty skills and personal success are priority! Another 118 full-time Ulta business leaders come into the salon constantly to support professional development and business growth.
7. Culture Matters
In a 2018 survey commissioned by Ulta and executed by MODERN SALON Research, Ulta associates were asked to identify the advantages they experienced in working for Ulta Beauty. Salon professionals noted “the culture” along with benefits, career growth, education and environment. The October edition of insideLOOK will delve more into the power of culture at Ulta Beauty.
8. Extra Cash
Bonuses, incentives and benefits are the norm. New Ulta Beauty Stylists and Skin Therapists are eligible for a New Hire Performance Bonus of up to $5,000 after meeting certain performance criteria; all associates can earn quarterly team bonuses. Plus, Ulta offers a matching 401k program to help save for the future.
9. World’sLargest Waiting Room
Ulta’s assortment of 25,000 beauty products from 500 brands draws 33 million guests inside its 1,196 doors. All are primed to become your guests. Online and social media marketing and the Ultamate Rewards loyalty program also drive guests to your chair. Rewards members can even redeem points for services, and the professional receives full commission!
10. Award-Winning Artists and Influencers
With Nick Stenson, Ammon Carver, the ground-breaking Pro Team and a talented, ambitious Design Team crafting collections, competing and winning industry competitions, educating at top international trade shows, burning up social media and collaborating with salon industry and consumer press, the Salon at Ulta Beauty is an established beauty and trend leader. Aspiring associates are encouraged to share work, contribute and audition for education and team opportunities.
Check out the Salon at Ulta Beauty near you. Ask the salon manager for more info on local—and free!—Ulta Academy education and events. Apply at careers.ulta.com
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty