Hairdresser Pay Rate 2025-26
Minimum pay rates for hairdressers in Australia under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Updated 1 July 2025.
Last verified: 1 July 2025Hairdresser — Minimum Pay Rate
Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005)
$24.10
Base rate/hr
$30.13
Casual rate/hr
Hairdressers cut, colour, style, and treat hair in salons and barbershops. A Certificate III in Hairdressing is the standard qualification.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Hairdresser
| 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 — Hairdresser
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 — Hairdresser
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 | Junior hairdresser / salon assistant | $24.10 | $30.13 | $47,621.60 |
| Level 2 | Hairdresser (qualified) | $25.07 | $31.34 | $49,538.32 |
| Level 3 | Senior hairdresser | $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 Hairdresser?
Hairdressers working as 'chair renters' or 'booth renters' may actually be employees if the salon controls their hours and clients. This could mean you are entitled to award rates and entitlements.
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 →Hairdresser Pay Rates by State
Award pay rates are set nationally, but state-specific public holidays and long service leave rules may affect your total entitlements.
Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty Therapist | $24.10/hr | $30.13/hr | $48.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hairdresser get paid per hour in Australia?
The minimum hourly rate for a hairdresser in 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 hairdresser?
The minimum wage for a hairdresser 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 hairdressers?
Hairdressers 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 hairdressers get penalty rates on weekends?
Yes. Under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020, hairdressers 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 hairdresser?
The casual rate for a hairdresser 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 hairdresser 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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