How to become a Hairdresser
Cuts, styles, colours, straightens and permanently waves hair, and treats hair and scalp conditions.
Main tasks
- Consults with clients to determine their desired hair style, and hair and scalp conditions
- Analyses clients' hair and features to design and recommend styles
- Cuts hair using scissors, clippers, razors and other hair cutting tools
- Styles, straightens and permanently waves hair using brushes, combs, straightening irons and other styling tools
- Applies hair colour, highlights and lowlights using various techniques
- Performs hair treatments such as deep conditioning, moisturising and scalp massages
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Hairdressing. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416); Certificate IV in Hairdressing (SHB40216); Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516); Certificate II in Salon Assistant (SHB20216); Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $62,868 a year
- About 64,800 people work in this job group now, and about 68,500 are projected by 2035. (+5.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Hairdresser?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Hairdressing; Certificate IV in Hairdressing; Certificate III in Hairdressing.
How much does a Hairdresser earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $62,868 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Hairdresser a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 64,800 to about 68,500 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Hairdresser?
Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Hairdressing; Certificate IV in Hairdressing; Certificate III in Hairdressing.
Will AI change the work of a Hairdresser?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04