Beauty Therapist Pay Rate WA 2026-27
Beauty Therapists in Western Australia earn at least $27.81/hr (Level 1), $34.76/hr casual — about $1,057 a week full-time — under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Rates from 1 July 2026, junior rates by age below.
Last verified: 19 July 2026Beauty Therapist — Minimum Pay Rate (WA)
Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005)
$27.81
Base rate/hr
$34.76
Casual rate/hr
Beauty therapists perform skin care treatments, waxing, facials, massage, and other beauty services in salons and spas.
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Western Australia Note
Western Australia has a state industrial relations system that covers some private sector employees not in the national system.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Beauty Therapist
| Employment Type | Hourly Rate | Weekly (38hrs) | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (adult) | $27.81/hr | $1,056.78 | $54,952.56 |
| Part-time (adult) | $27.81/hr | Pro-rata | Pro-rata |
| Casual (incl. 25% loading) | $34.76/hr | Varies | Varies |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020.
Junior Rates by Age — Beauty Therapist
Junior rates: Under 17: 50% of the adult rate. 17 years: 75%. From 18, the full adult rate applies. Apprentices are paid apprentice rates instead.
| Age | % of adult | Hourly | Casual/hr | Weekly (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | 50% | $13.91/hr | $17.39/hr | $528.58 |
| 17 | 75% | $20.86/hr | $26.08/hr | $792.68 |
| 18+ (adult) | 100% | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $1,056.78 |
Hair and Beauty Employee Level 1. Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current from 1 July 2026), operative from 1 July 2026. Casual = hourly × 1.25. Hair & Beauty juniors are paid the full adult rate from 18. Apprentices are on apprentice rates instead.
Penalty Rates — Beauty Therapist
Saturday
$36.99/hr
1.33x base
Sunday
$55.62/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$69.52/hr
2.5x base
Penalty rates shown for full-time/part-time Level 1 ($27.81/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 | $27.81 | $34.76 | $54,952.56 |
| Level 2 | Beauty therapist (qualified) | $28.45 | $35.56 | $56,217.20 |
| Level 3 | Senior beauty therapist | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 4 | Salon manager / educator | $30.00 | $37.50 | $59,280.00 |
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 | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $55.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a beauty therapist get paid per hour in Western Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a beauty therapist in Western Australia is $27.81/hr for full-time and part-time employees, or $34.76/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 2026.
What is the minimum wage for a beauty therapist?
The minimum wage for a beauty therapist is $27.81 per hour ($1,056.78 per week for a 38-hour week, or $54,952.56 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 ($36.99/hr) and 2x on Sundays ($55.62/hr). Public holidays are paid at 2.5x ($69.52/hr).
What is the casual rate for a beauty therapist?
The casual rate for a beauty therapist is $34.76/hr, which includes a 25% casual loading on top of the base rate of $27.81/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?
A 17 year old beauty therapist gets at least $20.86/hr (75% of the adult Hair and Beauty Employee Level 1 rate), or $26.08/hr casual, under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 from 1 July 2026. Junior rates: Under 17: 50% of the adult rate. 17 years: 75%. From 18, the full adult rate applies. Apprentices are paid apprentice rates instead.
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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.
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