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Hairdresser

ANZSCO 391111

Hairdressers style and treat hair through cutting, colouring, and various treatments, while managing appointments and selling products.

  • This role has a low level of AI exposure. Core skills such as adaptability, social intelligence, and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
      • NSW
      • ACT
      • QLD
      • TAS
      • WA
      • NT
      • SA
  • 10,000 people employed in Australia
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).

How do I become a hairdresser

Get qualified to work as a hairdresser with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.

Related career opportunities

Browse occupations related to Hairdresser.

Common questions

In Australia, a full time Hairdresser generally earns $1,346 per week ($69,992 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Opportunities for Hairdressers in Australia are expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years as more than 31,000 new jobs open up around the country. Hairdressers mainly work in hair and beauty salons, but there are also opportunities to work in day spas, cruise ships, fashion houses, hotels and resorts, theatres and production studios.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Hairdressers usually get started by completing an apprenticeship with a qualified hairdresser. To prepare yourself for an apprenticeship try completing a VET qualification such as the certificate II in Salon Assistant or the Certificate III and IV in Hairdressing. A hairdressing apprenticeship can take 3-4 years to complete.

Author Image Courses.com.au Team

Related fields of study

Hair and Beauty

Choose from a range of accredited Hair and Beauty courses offered by nationally recognised providers that will prepare you with practical skills and knowledge to land that next dream job.

All Hair and Beauty

Hairdressing and Barbering

Become a professional hairdresser or barber or gain the skills to run a thriving salon with an accredited qualification in Australia.

Career opportunities

Further reading

How to get into hairdressing

30th June 2020

What can you do with a Certificate III in Hairdressing?

4th February 2022

Most popular hair and beauty courses

21st June 2022

All hairdresser courses

Hairdresser careers

Hairdressers style and cut hair as well as carry out a range of hair treatments like perming, tints and colouring, straightening, and adding extensions. Working in a hair salon you’ll begin your career washing hair and preparing customers for their treatments, then and as your skills increase you’ll be mixing chemicals and carrying out advanced styling techniques.

Hairdressers don’t just cut hair though. Even beginners will be making appointments, selling retail products to clients (shampoos, conditioners, and take-home treatments), conducting cash sales, plus cleaning and sanitising equipment in between customers.