Hairdresser Pay Rate ACT 2026-27
Hairdressers in Australian Capital Territory 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 2026Hairdresser — Minimum Pay Rate (ACT)
Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005)
$27.81
Base rate/hr
$34.76
Casual rate/hr
Hairdressers cut, colour, style, and treat hair in salons and barbershops. A Certificate III in Hairdressing is the standard qualification.
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Australian Capital Territory Note
ACT workers benefit from some of the highest average wages in Australia. The ACT also has additional public holidays.
Minimum Hourly Rates — Hairdresser
| 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 — Hairdresser
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 — Hairdresser
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 | Junior hairdresser / salon assistant | $27.81 | $34.76 | $54,952.56 |
| Level 2 | Hairdresser (qualified) | $28.45 | $35.56 | $56,217.20 |
| Level 3 | Senior hairdresser | $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 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 →Related Jobs Under the Same Award
| Job | Base Rate | Casual Rate | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty Therapist | $27.81/hr | $34.76/hr | $55.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a hairdresser get paid per hour in Australian Capital Territory?
The minimum hourly rate for a hairdresser in Australian Capital Territory 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 hairdresser?
The minimum wage for a hairdresser 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 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 ($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 hairdresser?
The casual rate for a hairdresser 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 hairdresser get paid?
A 17 year old hairdresser 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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