What is the esthetician salary under the Hair and Beauty Award?

The Hair and Beauty Industry Award [MA000005] covers estheticians. From 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rate for a Level 1 employee is $26.44 (the National Minimum Wage). Higher classifications and experience attract higher rates. Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual rate $33.05 per hour. Superannuation is paid on top at 12%.

How do I calculate annual pay from an hourly rate?

Multiply your hourly rate by the number of hours worked per week, then by 52. For a full-time esthetician working 38 hours per week at $26.44 per hour, the annual gross pay is $26.44 × 38 × 52 = $52,245.44. If you work part-time or casual, adjust the weekly hours accordingly. Remember that casual loading and super are additional.

Is casual loading included in the esthetician salary?

No, casual loading is paid on top of the base hourly rate. For estheticians under the Hair and Beauty Award, casual employees receive an extra 25% of the base rate. For example, a base rate of $26.44 becomes $33.05 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave. Super is calculated on the ordinary time earnings, which includes the casual loading.

Esthetician Salary in Australia: Hourly Rates, Award Pay, and Take-Home Pay

Based on the Hair and Beauty Industry Award, a Level 1 esthetician earns at least the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, with casual loading of 25% and super paid on top.

Understanding the Esthetician Salary in Australia

If you're an esthetician or considering a career in beauty therapy, knowing your potential pay is essential. The esthetician salary in Australia depends on your award classification, experience, and whether you work full-time, part-time, or casually. This guide explains how to convert hourly rates to annual, fortnightly, and monthly figures, and covers tax, super, and casual loading.

Esthetician Salary Under the Hair and Beauty Award

Most estheticians are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award [MA000005]. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes pay guides for this award, which set minimum rates from 1 July 2026. A Level 1 employee (entry-level) earns the National Minimum Wage of $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. Higher levels (Level 2, 3, etc.) attract higher rates. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the exact classification rates.

For casual estheticians, a 25% casual loading applies, bringing the minimum to $33.05 per hour. This loading is paid on top of the base rate and is not included in the base rate itself. Always check your award classification to ensure you're receiving the correct pay.

Converting Hourly Rate to Annual Salary

To estimate your annual gross pay, use the formula:

Hourly rate × hours per week × 52

We assume a standard full-time week of 38 hours, as defined by the National Employment Standards. For example:

Base rate: $26.44/hour
Weekly: $26.44 × 38 = $1,004.72 (rounded to $1,004.90 per Fair Work)
Annual: $1,004.72 × 52 = $52,245.44

If you work part-time (e.g., 20 hours/week), adjust the weekly hours. Casual rates already include the loading, so use $33.05/hour in the formula.

Fortnightly Pay

Your fortnightly gross pay is simply weekly pay × 2. For a full-time esthetician at the minimum rate: $1,004.90 × 2 = $2,009.80. This is useful for budgeting or comparing with salary offers.

Tax and Medicare on Your Esthetician Salary

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Tax Office applies the following resident tax rates:

$0 – $18,200: Nil
$18,201 – $45,000: 15% of excess over $18,200
$45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 + 30% of excess over $45,000
$135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 + 37% of excess over $135,000
$190,001+: $51,420 + 45% of excess over $190,000

Medicare levy is generally 2% of taxable income. For a full-time esthetician earning $52,245, the tax estimate (using 2025–26 Medicare reduction thresholds) would be approximately $6,867, plus Medicare of $1,045, leaving a take-home of about $44,333. Use our take-home pay tool for a personalised estimate.

Superannuation Guarantee

Super is paid on top of your ordinary earnings. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12%. For a full-time esthetician earning $52,245, the employer must contribute $6,269.40 per year (12% of $52,245). This is capped at the maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. Super is not deducted from your pay; it's an additional benefit. Learn more about super and packaging.

Casual Loading and Super

Casual estheticians receive a 25% loading on the base rate. This loading is part of ordinary time earnings, so super is calculated on the loaded rate. For example, a casual earning $33.05/hour: annual gross (38 hours/week) = $33.05 × 38 × 52 = $65,306.80. Super at 12% = $7,836.82. The loading compensates for no paid leave, but super still applies.

Using the Hourly to Annual Timesheet

Our timesheet](/) is the home page where you can enter your base hourly rate. A checkbox adds 25% casual loading on top. Never enter a rate that already includes loading; the tool handles it. You'll see weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and annual figures, plus estimated tax and super.

Summary

The esthetician salary in Australia starts at the National Minimum Wage under the Hair and Beauty Award. Use the formula hourly × hours × 52 to estimate annual pay. Remember to add casual loading if applicable, and super is paid on top. For award-specific rates, check the pay guides from the Fair Work Ombudsman. Always verify your classification and entitlements with your employer or the Fair Work Commission.

Disclaimer: Annual pay here is hourly rate × hours per week × 52. It assumes the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax is the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.