16 Year Old Hairdresser Pay Rate 2026-27
$13.91/hr permanent, $17.39/hr casual — the Hair & Beauty Award junior rate for a 16 year old hairdresser, with weekly pay, penalty rates and the rise on your next birthday.
Last verified: 3 September 2026A 16 year old hairdresser earns $13.91/hr minimum ($17.39/hr casual)
50% of the adult Hair and Beauty Employee Level 1 rate of $27.81/hr under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005), from 1 July 2026.
Award & classification
Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020
MA000005
Hair and Beauty Employee Level 1
50% of the adult rate
Hairdresser pay rates by age — Hair & Beauty Award
| Age | % of adult | Hourly rate | Casual rate | Per week (38 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17(you) | 50% | $13.91 | $17.39 | $528.58 |
| 17 | 75% | $20.86 | $26.08 | $792.68 |
| 18+ (adult rate) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.78 |
- Hair & Beauty juniors are paid the full adult rate from 18. Apprentices are on apprentice rates instead.
Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026; read 2026-09-03. Where an award publishes junior rates weekly, hourly = weekly ÷ 38. Casual = hourly × 1.25 (25% casual loading). Higher classification levels use the same percentages on a higher adult rate.
Penalty rates at age 16
| When | Multiplier | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday (ordinary hours) | 1x | $13.91 |
| Saturday | 1.33x | $18.50 |
| Sunday | 2x | $27.82 |
| Public holiday | 2.5x | $34.78 |
| Evening (after 7pm) | 1.15x | $16.00 |
When I turn 17
When you turn 17, your minimum hairdresser rate increases to $20.86/hr — that's a +$6.95/hr increase.
Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday. If they fail to do so, you can lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Weekly earnings examples
| Hours/week | Base pay | Casual pay |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $139.10 | $173.90 |
| 15 hours | $208.65 | $260.85 |
| 20 hours | $278.20 | $347.80 |
| 25 hours | $347.75 | $434.75 |
| 30 hours | $417.30 | $521.70 |
| 38 hours | $528.58 | $660.82 |
Related resources
Hairdresser rate by age
Frequently asked questions
How much should a 16 year old hairdresser get paid?
A 16 year old hairdresser should earn at least $13.91/hr ($17.39/hr casual). That is 50% of the adult Hair and Beauty Employee Level 1 rate of $27.81/hr under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020, from 1 July 2026.
What is the casual rate for a 16 year old hairdresser?
The casual rate for a 16 year old hairdresser is $17.39/hr — the junior base rate of $13.91/hr plus the 25% casual loading.
When will a 16 year old hairdresser's pay go up?
When you turn 17, your minimum rate rises to $20.86/hr — a $6.95/hr increase. Your employer is legally required to increase your pay from your birthday.
Do 16 year old hairdressers get penalty rates?
Yes. 16 year old hairdressers receive penalty rates on their junior base rate. Saturdays: $18.50/hr (1.33x). Sundays: $27.82/hr (2x). Public holidays: $34.78/hr (2.5x).
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.