Hairdresser Salary in Australia: Award Rates, Median Pay, Super and Tax

What is a hairdresser salary in Australia?

A hairdresser salary in Australia depends on the type of employer, location, experience and whether the role is covered by an award. Most hairdressers work under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates that are updated each year following the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review. Beyond the award floor, many hairdressers earn more, especially those with advanced skills or in high-demand salons.

To understand where a hairdresser salary sits against the national line, we use the Salary Index. The index compares yearly gross pay to full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which is $108,352 per year (index 100). A hairdresser earning the award minimum of $54,954 per year (Level 1) has an index of about 51. The typical hairdresser, based on median full-time earnings of $1,209 per week ($62,868 per year), has an index of 58. That is below the national average but above the national minimum wage index of 48.

Award minimum rates for hairdressers

The Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 classifies employees into six levels. Level 1 covers entry-level hairdressers, while Level 6 covers senior stylists or salon managers. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum weekly rates are:

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

These rates apply to full-time employees working an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate but work fewer hours. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, so a casual Level 1 hairdresser earns $34.76 per hour.

Penalty rates apply for work outside ordinary hours. Saturday work attracts 133% of the minimum rate, Sunday 200%, and public holidays 250%. For a Level 1 hairdresser, that means $36.99 per hour on Saturday, $55.62 on Sunday, and $69.53 on public holidays.

The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides detailed classification and penalty rate data updated after each annual wage review.

Median hairdresser earnings

According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for hairdressers (before tax) is $1,209. That translates to an annual salary of $62,868. The median hourly earnings are $32, which is close to the award Level 6 rate. This suggests many experienced hairdressers earn above the minimum.

Only 51% of hairdressers work full-time, compared to 69% across all occupations. The average full-time hairdresser works 40 hours per week. The workforce is predominantly female (76%) with a median age of 36.

How superannuation works for hairdressers

From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12% of ordinary time earnings. Employers must contribute this amount to a complying super fund on top of the hairdresser's gross salary. For a hairdresser earning the median weekly wage of $1,209, the weekly super contribution is about $145.08. Over a year, that adds $7,544 to retirement savings.

The super guarantee is capped by a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Most hairdressers earn well below this cap, so the full 12% applies to their entire salary.

Tax on a hairdresser salary

A hairdresser earning the median annual salary of $62,868 pays income tax according to the 2026–27 resident tax rates:

• $0 – $18,200: nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15% on the excess over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: 30% on the excess over $45,000

For $62,868, the tax calculation is:

• First $18,200: $0
• Next $26,800 (to $45,000): 15% = $4,020
• Remaining $17,868 (to $62,868): 30% = $5,360.40
• Total income tax: $9,380.40

Plus a 2% Medicare levy on all taxable income: $1,257.36

Total tax: $10,637.76, leaving a take-home pay of about $52,230 per year ($1,004 per week).

If the hairdresser earns only the award minimum of $54,954, the tax is lower: about $7,847 income tax plus $1,099 Medicare levy, for a take-home of $46,008 per year ($885 per week).

Comparing hairdresser pay across Australia

The Salary Index shows that pay varies by state. For example, New South Wales has an index of 101.2, while Tasmania is 88.6. A hairdresser in Sydney may earn more than one in Hobart, but the cost of living also differs. The award rates are national, so the minimum is the same everywhere, but above-award pay can vary.

Industries also differ. The retail trade index is 75.9, and accommodation and food services is 72.5. Hairdressing sits between these and the national average, reflecting its service-industry nature.

How to use the Salary Index for hairdresser salary

To calculate the index for a specific hairdresser salary, divide the annual gross pay by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For example, a hairdresser earning $70,000 per year has an index of 64.6. That is above the median but still below the national line of 100.

The index helps compare pay across roles and locations. You can explore more on Salary Index and see how other occupations compare on our [pay guides](/blog] page. For state-specific data is available on our [states](/states] page.

Key takeaways

• The minimum hairdresser salary under the award is $54,954 per year (index 51).
• The typical hairdresser earns $62,868 (index 58).
• Super is 12% on top, tax takes about 17% of gross for median earners.
• The index is a fair benchmark, not a personal quote.

For more detail on how the index works, visit our [how the index works](/method] page.