Beauty Therapist Pay Rate in SA 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for beauty therapists in South Australia under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Beauty Therapist — Minimum Pay Rate (SA)
Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Beauty therapists perform skin care treatments, waxing, facials, massage, and other beauty services in salons and spas.
South Australia Note
South Australia workers may have state-specific entitlements. Check with SafeWork SA for occupational health requirements.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Beauty Therapist
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | $915.80 | $47,621.60 |
| Part-time (adult) | $24.10/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $30.13/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2025 under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020.
Junior Rates — Beauty Therapist
Junior rates: Under 16: 40%. 16 years: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90% of the adult rate.
| Age | Approx. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | $9.64/hr | 40% of adult rate |
| 16 years | $12.05/hr | 50% of adult rate |
| 17 years | $14.46/hr | 60% of adult rate |
| 18 years | $16.87/hr | 70% of adult rate |
| 19 years | $19.28/hr | 80% of adult rate |
| 20 years | $21.69/hr | 90% of adult rate |
| 21+ (adult) | $24.10/hr | 100% of adult rate |
Exact junior percentages vary by award. Check the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 for precise rates.
Penalty Rates — Beauty Therapist
Saturday
$32.05/hr
1.33x base
Sunday
$48.20/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$60.25/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($24.10/hr base). Casual employees receive penalty rates calculated on their base rate (before casual loading).
Classification Levels — Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020
| Level | Description | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Beauty assistant | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Beauty therapist (qualified) | $25.07 | $31.34 | $49,538.32 |
| Level 3 | Senior beauty therapist | $26.10 | $32.63 | $51,573.60 |
| Level 4 | Salon manager / educator | $27.32 | $34.15 | $53,984.32 |
Am I Being Underpaid as a Beauty Therapist?
Beauty therapists with additional qualifications (e.g., dermal therapies, laser) should be classified at a higher level reflecting their skills.
If you think you are being paid below the minimum rate, you can calculate your potential back pay and check your rights.
Check If You Are Underpaid →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdresser | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $48.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a beauty therapist get paid per hour in South Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a beauty therapist in South Australia is $24.10/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $30.13/hr for casuals (including 25% loading). This is the Level 1 adult rate under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005), effective from 1 July 2025.
What is the minimum wage for a beauty therapist?
The minimum wage for a beauty therapist is $24.10 per hour ($915.80 per week for a 38-hour week, or $47,621.60 per year). This is set by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Higher classification levels attract higher rates.
What award covers beauty therapists?
Beauty Therapists are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005). This Modern Award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates, allowances, and leave entitlements. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement with different (usually higher) rates.
Do beauty therapists get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020, beauty therapists receive 1.33x their base rate on Saturdays ($32.05/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($48.20/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($60.25/hr).
What is the casual rate for a beauty therapist?
The casual rate for a beauty therapist is $30.13/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $24.10/hr. The casual loading compensates for the lack of paid leave, notice of termination, and redundancy pay.
How much should a 17 year old beauty therapist get paid?
Junior rates: Under 16: 40%. 16 years: 50%. 17 years: 60%. 18 years: 70%. 19 years: 80%. 20 years: 90% of the adult rate. Always check the specific junior rate schedule in the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 for exact percentages.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.
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