Esthetician Salary in Australia: State and Industry Differences

What is an esthetician salary in Australia?

In Australia, the term 'esthetician' is not commonly used in official classifications. The standard occupation is beauty therapist (ANZSCO 4511), covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Estheticians provide skin care, facial treatments, body massage, waxing, nail services, and makeup application. The award sets minimum wages for six levels of hair and beauty employees, from Level 1 (entry) to Level 6 (senior or specialised).

From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates under the award are:

• Level 1: $27.81 per hour ($1,056.80 per week)
• Level 2: $28.45 ($1,081.00)
• Level 3: $29.45 ($1,119.10)
• Level 4: $30.00 ($1,139.90)
• Level 5: $30.89 ($1,174.00)
• Level 6: $32.00 ($1,215.90)

These are the minimums for full-time and part-time adult employees. Casual workers receive a 25% loading, bringing the hourly rate to $34.76–$40.00.

How does the esthetician salary compare to the national line?

The Salary Index sets 100 as full-time adult ordinary-time earnings: $2,083.70 per week, annualised $108,352 (ABS Average Weekly Earnings, May 2026). The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour, index 48.2. An esthetician at award Level 1 earns $27.81 per hour, which annualises to about $55,000 (index 51). At Level 6, $32.00 per hour gives $63,000 (index 58). The median full-time beauty therapist earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 per year), index 57.6, according to Jobs and Skills Australia.

So the typical esthetician salary sits around index 58, well below the national line of 100. This reflects the industry's lower average pay compared to professional services (index 114.7) or mining (154.7). The beauty industry falls under 'Other Services', which has an industry index of about 72.5, similar to accommodation and food services (72.5).

State differences in esthetician pay

Award rates are national, so the base pay is the same in all states. However, actual earnings vary due to above-award payments, demand, and cost of living. The states page shows overall pay indices:

• ACT: 109.9 ($119,090 annualised)
• WA: 106.9 ($115,825)
• NSW: 101.2 ($109,658)
• VIC: 98.0 ($106,137)
• QLD: 97.9 ($106,064)
• NT: 95.2 ($103,173)
• SA: 94.6 ($102,450)
• TAS: 88.6 ($96,008)

A beauty therapist in Western Australia or the ACT may earn more than one in Tasmania, even at the same award level, because employers in higher-paying states often offer above-award rates to attract staff. For example, a Level 3 esthetician in Perth might earn $30 per hour instead of the award $29.45, while in Hobart they might stick to the minimum.

Industry context

The beauty industry is part of 'Other Services', which has an index of 72.5. This is lower than retail trade (75.9) and much lower than health care (97.8). Only 39% of beauty therapists work full-time, compared to 69% across all occupations. The median age is 33, and 97% are female. Many work part-time or casually, which affects annual earnings.

Take-home pay and super

Using the median full-time salary of $62,400 per year, a resident Australian would pay approximately:

• Tax: $6,717 (based on 2026-27 rates: nil on first $18,200, 15% on next $26,800, 30% on remainder)
• Medicare levy (2%): $1,248
• Net take-home: about $54,435 per year or $1,047 per week.

Superannuation guarantee of 12% is paid on top of wages, so total remuneration including super is about $69,888.

How to find current rates

The best source for award rates is the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Hair and Beauty Industry Award is updated each July. For median earnings, the Australian Bureau of Statistics provides Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, though data is from May 2023. The topics page has links to industry and state comparisons.

Summary

An esthetician salary in Australia typically ranges from index 51 to 58, with the median at 57.6. Award minimums are set nationally, but state and industry differences mean actual pay can be higher in WA or ACT. For a full-time beauty therapist, the median weekly earnings of $1,200 give a take-home of about $1,047 per week after tax and Medicare.