Hairdressing Pay Rates 2026-27
Minimum pay rates for hairdressing workers in Australia under the Hair & Beauty Award: $27.81/hr at Level 1, $34.76/hr casual, every classification level, penalty rates and junior rates by age. Updated 1 July 2026.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Hairdressing Minimum Pay Rate
Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005)
$27.81
Base rate/hr
$34.76
Casual rate/hr
The minimum pay rate for hairdressing workers is $27.81/hr under the Hair & Beauty Award. Casuals receive $34.76/hr (base + 25% loading). Rates effective from 1 July 2026.
Hairdressers, barbers, and beauty therapists are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award. If you're working in a salon, barbershop, or spa, these are the rates your boss needs to be paying. Saturday work is standard in this industry, so the penalty rates matter.
Hairdressing Classification Rates
| Level | Classification | Base Rate/hr | Casual Rate/hr | Annual (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Hair & Beauty Level 1 | $27.81 | $34.76 | $54,952.56 |
| Level 2 | Hair & Beauty Level 2 | $28.45 | $35.56 | $56,217.20 |
| Level 3 | Hair & Beauty Level 3 | $29.45 | $36.81 | $58,193.20 |
| Level 4 | Hair & Beauty Level 4 | $30.00 | $37.50 | $59,280.00 |
Rates effective from 1 July 2026 under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Casual rates include 25% loading.
Casual Hairdressing Pay Rates
Casual workers get a 25% loading on top of the base rate. This compensates for no paid leave, no notice period, and no redundancy pay. Here's what that looks like for each level:
| Level | Base Rate | + 25% Loading | Casual Rate/hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $27.81 | +$6.95 | $34.76 |
| Level 2 | $28.45 | +$7.11 | $35.56 |
| Level 3 | $29.45 | +$7.36 | $36.81 |
| Level 4 | $30.00 | +$7.50 | $37.50 |
Hairdressing Junior Rates by Age (Under 21)
Hair & Beauty Award juniors are paid a percentage of the adult rate for their level. Hair and Beauty Employee Level 1, from 1 July 2026:
| Age | % of adult | Hourly | Casual/hr | Weekly (38hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 17 | 50% | $13.91 | $17.39 | $528.58 |
| 17 | 75% | $20.86 | $26.08 | $792.68 |
| 18+ (adult) | 100% | $27.81 | $34.76 | $1,056.78 |
Source: Fair Work Commission Modern Awards Pay Database (junior rate rows, current 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.
Hairdressing Penalty Rates
Penalty rates are calculated on the base rate (Level 1: $27.81/hr). Casual employees receive penalty rates on their base rate before casual loading is applied.
Saturday
$36.99/hr
1.33x base
Sunday
$55.62/hr
2x base
Public Holiday
$69.52/hr
2.5x base
| Penalty Type | Multiplier | Level 1 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 1.33x | $36.99/hr |
| Sunday | 2x | $55.62/hr |
| Public Holiday | 2.5x | $69.52/hr |
| Overtime (first 3 hours) | 1.5x | $41.71/hr |
| Overtime (after 3 hours) | 2x | $55.62/hr |
Full Hair & Beauty Award Details
View the complete Hair & Beauty Award including all classification levels, break rules, allowances, and more.
View Full Hair & Beauty Award Pay Rates →Getting Paid Less Than This?
If your payslip shows less than $27.81/hr (or $34.76/hr casual), you might be getting underpaid. It happens more than you'd think in hairdressing. Use our underpaid checker to calculate what you're actually owed.
Check If You're Underpaid →Pay Rates by Industry
Hairdressing Pay Rates FAQ
What is the minimum pay rate for hairdressers in 2026?
The minimum base rate for hairdressers is $27.81/hr (Level 1) under the Hair and Beauty Award. A qualified hairdresser at Level 3 earns $29.45/hr. Salon managers at Level 4 earn $30.00/hr base.
Do hairdressers get penalty rates on Saturdays?
Yes. Saturday attracts a 33% loading (1.33x), so a Level 1 hairdresser earns $36.99/hr. Sunday is double time (2.0x = $55.62/hr). Public holidays pay 2.5x ($69.53/hr).
What about apprentice hairdresser pay rates?
Hairdressing apprentices have specific rates set out in the Hair and Beauty Award, generally as a percentage of the Level 3 rate. First-year apprentices earn significantly less than qualified hairdressers. Use the apprentice wages calculator for exact rates.
Are beauty therapists on the same award as hairdressers?
Yes. The Hair and Beauty Industry Award covers both hairdressers and beauty therapists, including nail technicians, makeup artists, and spa workers. The classification levels and rates are the same.
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