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


Working Hours

24–37

hours per week

Career Area

Complementary health associate professionals

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Day-to-day tasks

As an aromatherapist, you could:

  • explain treatments to a 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

Skills needed

  • 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

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • training with a professional body

Career progression

You would usually be self-employed or you might do this as a second career, fitting it around your other commitments.

With further training, you could offer extra treatments, like reflexology or massage, to attract more clients and increase your income.