How Much Does A Beauty Therapist Earn In Australia? 2024 Guide

Are you interested in a career that can make people feel beautiful and confident? Beauty therapy may be the perfect career path for you! Australia is known for its world-class beauty industry, with thousands of salons, spas, and clinics scattered across the country. As demand for beauty services grows, beauty technician has become a popular career in Australia, especially for students who work as their part-time career to earn more income.

So, with all the responsibilities in caring for customers' outlooks, how much does a beauty therapist earn in Australia? Let this article be your financial guide to pursuing your beauty industry jobs.

Beauty Therapy. Image via Torrens University Australia

How Much Does A Beauty Therapist Earn In Australia?

According to Talent.com, Australia's average beauty therapist salary is $58,500 AUD per year, and the beauty therapist wage is $30 AUD per hour. However, the salary can range from $53,625 AUD to $72,190 AUD, depending on whether you are an entry-level or experienced worker.

Besides, Indeed has reported the annual salary of different beauty industry jobs in Australia:

• Hair Stylists or Hairdressers: $59,703 AUD

• Skincare Specialist: $52,000 AUD

• Nail Technicians: $64,652 AUD

• Makeup Artists: $79,078 AUD

• Lash Technician: $47,128 AUD

Notice that many factors such as work experience, degree, and skills can affect the beauty therapist wage. Therefore, make sure to understand your base to negotiate a reasonable range.

Study Path To Becoming A Beauty Therapist In Australia

Nail technicians, facial specialists, or beauty technicians, in general, must study required beauty technician courses. Most courses will include elements of anatomy and physiology, health and safety practices, and professional ethics. Depending on your specific beauty area, some courses might involve makeup application techniques, skin care treatments, and salon management.

Beauty therapy career map. Image via Torrens University Australia

This is the general study path to becoming a beauty therapist in Australia:

1.Enroll In A Beauty Degree College Program

As many colleges offer beauty courses, students pursuing this career can now take a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy or a T Level in Hair, Beauty, and Aesthetics. In Australia, this degree might last around 12 months to 4 academic years, depending on the city and the type of course you study.

We have searched some Australian colleges that offer beauty therapy degrees: 

• Torrens University Australia

• TAFE Queensland

• Charles Darwin University

• Canberra Institute of Technology

• CQUniversity Australia

2. Take An Apprenticeship

Besides enrolling in the college program, students can also take an apprenticeship, which means doing some training as an intermediate or advanced beauty therapist. These courses offer a mixed study experience between workplace learning and off-the-job study, normally taking 15 to 18 months to accomplish. 

However, to be qualified for apprenticeships, many corporations will ask for GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education), generally involving English and math, whether the applicants are intermediates or experienced. For advanced apprenticeships, they may additionally demand 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 with (A* to C) or equivalent, including English and math.

3. Get Level III, and IV Certification

Pursuing TAFE certifications is the next recommended step to build a foundation and expand knowledge in this beauty field. After completing your beauty courses, take TAFE certifications, which are (i) Certificate III in Beauty Services and (ii) Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy:

• Certificate III in Beauty Services: This certification takes your training to a more advanced level. It primarily focuses on beautician services such as makeup application, manicures, and pedicures. 

• Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy: This certification is designed for those who aspire to become full-fledged beauty therapists. It covers a wider range of beauty treatments and includes instruction on efficient time management and appointment scheduling, making it essential for those aiming to provide comprehensive beauty services.

4. Invest In Private Beauty School

Investing in private courses gives students an exceeding competitive advantage in this crowded field. Especially for those who have already determined the specific area of beauty they want to pursue, such as nail, salon, facial, etc.

Here are some recommended private beauty schools in Australia:

• Australian Beauty School

• Brisbane School of Beauty

• French Beauty Academy

• OYA School

See more: What is a tertiary qualification in australia?

How To Improve Your Beauty Careers In Australia?

Embarking on beauty industry careers in Australia is an exciting journey requiring more than a passion for beauty treatments. It demands specific personal attributes, appropriate educational beautician qualifications, and beauty therapy skills. Here are 4 steps you can enhance to improve your career in this competitive market:

1.Practice Personal Traits

To thrive as a beauty technician, you need more than just training. Certain personal traits are vital to providing clients with a comforting, professional environment. These include:

• Good hand-eye coordination

• A neat appearance, 

• A genuine interest in helping people.

A beauty therapist needs to have some personal requirements. Image via Victoria University

It's also crucial not to be allergic to any beauty products you'll use. A discreet and sensitive demeanor, especially when performing facial and body treatments, is also paramount in this profession.

2.Obtain Qualified Education & Certifications

Even though certification isn't obligatory in Australia, professional qualifications can enhance job prospects. Opting for beauty therapist qualifications from a professional trainer can open doors in reputable salons, spas, or even as a successful self-employed beauty therapist. 

Both traditional beauty schools and online courses are available, and several salons offer earn-while-you-learn options such as apprenticeships or traineeships.

See more: How to get overseas qualifications recognised in Australia?

3.Improve Technical Skills

Specific beauty therapy skills are universally beneficial regardless of your beauty therapy specialization. These are some technical skills and qualifications a beauty technician needs to have:

• Excellent customer service

• Interpersonal skills

• Communication skills

• Active listening, patience, and dedication

• Creativity

Beauty therapists need to have some specific skills. Image via TAFE NSW Institute

Good timekeeping is equally important. If you identify areas where your skills could be improved, actively seek opportunities for growth and enhancement.

4.Exceed Job Requirements

Success in the beauty industry jobs is achievable with the right attitude and ongoing learning. These are 4 things you can do to exceed your progress to becoming a beauty technician in Australia:

• Constant Training: Continuous learning is a cornerstone of success in the beauty industry. Whether you're already working or new to the field, enhancing your skills with further training can help you stay at the top of your game.

• Get As Much Experience As Possible: If securing a job seems challenging, gaining experience can make all the difference. Consider offering free services at a salon or practicing with friends and family. This exposure enriches your beauty therapy skills and builds your professional confidence.

• Establish Social Presence: Maintaining a robust and positive social media presence in this digital age can significantly boost your career. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are excellent avenues for connecting with clients and networking with other beauty therapists.

• Stay Up-to-date: The beauty industry is dynamic and ever-evolving. Keeping abreast of the latest trends and techniques, possibly by following key influencers, ensures you're always ready to meet clients' changing demands and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.How much does a beauty therapist earn per hour in Australia?

There are different reports for the beauty therapist wage in Australia:

• Indeed: $32.02 AUD

• Talent.com: $30 AUD

• PayScale: $25.68 AUD

• Glassdoor: $31 AUD

2.Is beauty therapy a good career in Australia?

Yes. Beauty therapy is a growing field in Australia, offering exciting and rewarding career possibilities. 

A beauty therapist's salary is considered good to cover the living costs in Australia. Moreover, the Australian beauty industry offers a variety of roles and opportunities for experienced and budding beauty technicians. The country also offers plenty of resources, from fashion schools to industry-leading cosmetics companies, to obtain a higher education in the beauty industry.

3.How much do beauticians make a year in AUS?

As a Beauty Therapist in Australia, your earning potential is promising. An average beauty therapist's salary in Australia is $58,500 AUD per year. However, depending on your professionalism, the salary can range from $53,625 AUD to $72,190 AUD, according to Talent.com's info. 

A beauty technician is a promising career due to Australia's rising demand for beauty services. The beauty industry jobs allow workers to be flexible with hourly and full-time work, the opportunities to experience different aspects of the industry, and the creativity to make people more confident and beautiful. In fact, many students earn money to spend on their living expenses by working as part-time beauty therapists. 

So, this is your guide to the question: “How Much Does A Beauty Therapist Earn In Australia?”. We hope this can help you realize another way to earn income in Australia. Curious about immigration and education in Australia? Contact SW Education for a FREE consulting session now!