What is the minimum wage for an esthetician in Australia?

Most estheticians are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Adult minimum hourly rates range from $27.81 (Level 1) to $32.00 (Level 6) from 1 July 2026. The national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies only if no award or agreement covers you. Your actual classification depends on your duties and qualifications.

Does the esthetician salary include superannuation?

No. Superannuation is paid on top of your salary. From 1 July 2026, employers must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings to a super fund. This is separate from the hourly or weekly wage shown in the award.

Can an esthetician be paid less than the award rate?

Only in limited circumstances. Junior employees (under 21) may be paid a percentage of the adult rate. Apprentices and trainees have separate minimum rates. An enterprise agreement can set different rates, but they cannot be lower than the award minimum. Introductory rates for new employees in the industry may apply for the first six months, but must be at least $25.74 per hour.

Esthetician salary in Australia: award rates and minimum pay

The esthetician salary is covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020, with adult minimum hourly rates from $27.81 to $32.00 as of 1 July 2026, plus 12% superannuation.

Esthetician salary and the Hair and Beauty Industry Award

If you are looking for the esthetician salary in Australia, the first place to check is the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. This award covers most beauty therapists, including estheticians, and sets minimum pay rates that are higher than the national minimum wage.

How the award sets your pay

The award classifies employees into six levels based on skill and responsibility. For adult employees (21 and over), the minimum hourly rates from 1 July 2026 are:

Level 1: $27.81 per hour
Level 2: $28.45 per hour
Level 3: $29.45 per hour
Level 4: $30.00 per hour
Level 5: $30.89 per hour
Level 6: $32.00 per hour

A newly qualified esthetician might start at Level 1 or 2, while an experienced therapist with supervisory duties could be Level 4 or higher. Your employer must classify you correctly based on the work you do. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides a Pay and Conditions Tool to help you check your classification.

National minimum wage as a backstop

If for any reason you are not covered by the award or a registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. As of 1 July 2026, that is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. However, award rates are almost always higher, so the national minimum acts as a safety net.

Superannuation is extra

Remember that your esthetician salary does not include superannuation. Your employer must pay an additional 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund. For example, if you earn $27.81 per hour, your employer also contributes about $3.34 per hour to your super.

Junior, apprentice and trainee rates

If you are under 21, the award allows your employer to pay a percentage of the adult rate. For example, an 18-year-old esthetician receives 68.3% of the adult rate (about $18.06 per hour at the national minimum, but the award percentage may differ). Apprentices and trainees have their own pay scales in the award. Check the award or use the Rate tables on this site for details.

How the esthetician salary compares to averages

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that full-time adult ordinary-time earnings were $2,083.70 per week in May 2026. That is much higher than award minimums, but many estheticians work part-time or casual hours. Your actual take-home pay will depend on your classification, hours, and any penalty rates for evenings, weekends, or public holidays.

What if your employer offers an enterprise agreement?

Some salons or chains have an enterprise agreement approved by the Fair Work Commission. That agreement can set different pay rates, but they must not be less than the award minimums. Always compare your payslip to the award or agreement that covers you. The Guides section explains how to read your pay slip.

Penalty rates and overtime

Under the award, ordinary hours are Monday to Friday between 7 am and 9 pm. Work outside those times attracts penalty rates: 133% on Saturday, 200% on Sunday, and 250% on public holidays. Casual employees get a 25% loading instead of paid leave. These extras can significantly boost your weekly pay.

Need more help?

If you are unsure which rate applies, start with the Which minimum wage applies page. You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice. Remember, this site provides general guidance only – it is not a pay determination or legal advice.