Hairdresser salary: What you actually take home after tax and Medicare

How to compare a hairdresser job offer using the amount that reaches your account

When you’re looking at a hairdresser salary in Australia, the number in the job ad isn’t what lands in your bank account. Between income tax, the Medicare levy, and sometimes superannuation, your take-home pay can be significantly less. This guide explains how to cut through the confusion and compare offers on the basis of what you actually keep.

The award sets the floor for hairdresser salary

Most hairdressers are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 [MA000005]. The Fair Work Ombudsman publishes the official pay guide, which sets minimum rates for six classification levels. As of 1 July 2026, the minimum hourly rates for adult full-time employees 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

These rates apply to ordinary hours (Monday to Friday, 7 am to 9 pm). Penalty rates for Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, and RDOs are higher – for example, Saturday work attracts 133% of the base rate, Sunday 200%, and public holidays 250%. Casual employees receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate.

Your actual hairdresser salary may be above the award if you have experience, specialise in colour or styling, or work in a high-end salon. Always check your employment contract against the award to ensure you’re not being underpaid.

From gross salary to take-home pay

Once you know your gross annual salary, you can estimate your after-tax income. For the 2026–27 tax year, the Australian Tax Office applies these resident tax rates:

• $0 – $18,200: Nil
• $18,201 – $45,000: 15c for each $1 over $18,200
• $45,001 – $135,000: $4,020 plus 30c for each $1 over $45,000
• $135,001 – $190,000: $31,020 plus 37c for each $1 over $135,000
• Over $190,000: $51,370 plus 45c for each $1 over $190,000

You may also be eligible for the Low Income Tax Offset (LITO), which reduces tax by up to $700 for incomes below $37,500, then phases out. The Medicare levy adds 2% of your taxable income, unless you earn below the single threshold of $28,011 (no levy) or between $28,011 and $35,013 (shading applies). Full-time hairdressers earning above $35,013 pay the full 2%.

For example, a Level 3 hairdresser on the award rate of $29.45 per hour working 38 hours a week earns about $58,193 annually. After tax (approximately $8,100) and Medicare ($1,164), your take-home pay would be around $48,929 per year, or $1,882 per fortnight. This is a rough estimate – use the Take-home pay tool for a precise calculation based on your exact salary and circumstances.

Superannuation is extra

Under the super guarantee, your employer must contribute 12% of your ordinary time earnings into a super fund from 1 July 2026, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830. This is on top of your salary, not deducted from it. When comparing job offers, check whether the advertised hairdresser salary is “plus super” (the norm) or “including super”. If it’s plus super, your total remuneration is higher than the base figure.

What about penalty rates and overtime?

If you work evenings, weekends, or public holidays, your effective hourly rate increases. The award sets penalty rates as a percentage of the base rate. For example, a Level 3 employee working Sunday earns $58.90 per hour (200% of $29.45). These extra earnings are taxable, so your take-home will be higher but still subject to marginal tax rates. Keep track of your hours to ensure you’re paid correctly.

Using the benchmarks to gauge your offer

You can compare your hairdresser salary against national benchmarks. The national minimum wage is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week (from 1 July 2026). The average full-time adult ordinary time earnings are $2,083.70 per week (ABS, May 2026). A hairdresser at Level 6 ($32.00/hour) earns about $1,216 per week, which is above minimum wage but below the all-employees average of $1,579.20. This context helps you negotiate or decide if an offer is fair.

Final tips for comparing offers

1. Convert to annual gross – Multiply your hourly rate by 38 hours and 52 weeks (or use your agreed hours).
2. Subtract tax and Medicare – Use the Tax and Medicare guide or the calculator.
3. Add super – Remember that super is extra, not part of your take-home.
4. Factor in penalties – If you regularly work weekends, your average hourly rate will be higher.
5. Check the award – Ensure you’re being paid at least the minimum for your classification.

By focusing on take-home pay, you can make an apples-to-apples comparison between different job offers and know exactly what you’ll have to live on.

Sources

• Fair Work Ombudsman, Hair and Beauty Industry Award pay guide
• Fair Work Ombudsman, Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020