Beauty therapist pay under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 from 1 July 2026: hourly, casual and weekend rates for nail technicians, make-up artists, beauticians and beauty therapists, with take-home pay in 2026–27.
A beauty therapist with a Certificate IV earns at least $30.00 an hour ($37.50 casual), about $59,275 a year full time. With a Diploma it's $32.00. Open in the pay calculator.
Beauty pay rates by qualification
| Level and role | Hourly | Casual hourly | Weekly | Year (52 weeks) | Take-home per fortnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Make-up artist (Certificate II), nail technician (Certificate II) or unqualified beautician | $28.45 | $35.56 | $1,081.00 | $56,212 | $1,841 |
| Level 3: Beautician with a Certificate III in Beauty Services | $29.45 | $36.81 | $1,119.10 | $58,193 | $1,891 |
| Level 4: Beauty therapist with a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy | $30.00 | $37.50 | $1,139.90 | $59,275 | $1,919 |
| Level 6: Beauty therapist with a Diploma of Beauty Therapy | $32.00 | $40.00 | $1,215.90 | $63,227 | $2,020 |
Roles and qualifications from Schedule A of the award. Full-time weekly rate for 38 hours; take-home pay is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27. Receptionists and salon assistants are Level 1 ($27.81 an hour).
Weekend and public holiday rates
| Level | Saturday 7am-6pm | Sunday | Public holiday | Casual Saturday 7am-6pm | Casual Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | $37.84 | $56.90 | $71.13 | $44.95 | $64.01 |
| Level 3 | $39.17 | $58.90 | $73.63 | $46.53 | $66.26 |
| Level 4 | $39.90 | $60.00 | $75.00 | $47.40 | $67.50 |
| Level 6 | $42.56 | $64.00 | $80.00 | $50.56 | $72.00 |
How it works
- The award sets levels by qualification: a Certificate II for nails and make-up, a Certificate III for beauticians, a Certificate IV or Diploma for beauty therapists.
- Casuals get a 25% loading instead of paid leave.
- Many salons pay commission or above-award rates, but employees must still get at least the award rate for the hours they work. Super is paid on top.
Common questions
How much does a beauty therapist earn in Australia?
A beauty therapist with a Certificate IV (Level 4) gets at least $30.00 an hour, $1,139.90 a week or about $59,275 a year from 1 July 2026 under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. With a Diploma (Level 6) it's $32.00 an hour, about $63,227 a year. Many salons pay above the award.
How much does a nail technician get paid?
A nail technician with a Certificate II in Nail Technology is Level 2: at least $28.45 an hour, or $35.56 as a casual. Make-up artists with a Certificate II are paid the same.
What is the casual beauty therapist rate?
$37.50 an hour at Level 4 and $40.00 at Level 6, including the 25% casual loading.
Do beauty therapists get weekend rates?
Yes. Saturday work between 7am and 6pm is $39.90 an hour at Level 4, Sundays $60.00 and public holidays $75.00.
How much does a beauty therapist take home?
On $59,275 a year, about $1,919 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
When do the rates go up?
Each year from the first full pay period on or after 1 July. Next: 1 July 2027 (Annual Wage Review).
See also hairdresser salary (same award), the casual loading calculator and weekend pay rates.
Source: Fair Work Ombudsman pay guide, Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 [MA000005], rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. Take-home pay: ATO tax rates. Checked 2026-10-22. General information only.