Beautician

Beauticians (also known as beauty therapists) apply beauty treatments, cosmetics, and therapies to enhance the personal appearance of their clients. As a beautician you’ll be performing waxing, facials and other skin-care services, body treatments like massage and spray tans, as well hair styling, nail art, and make up services.

Beauticians have a wide-range of career options — you could open your own beauty salon, create a mobile beauty service, work for a day spa at a fancy resort, or even work on a cruise ship. As you gain experience you can pursue career specialisations in electrolysis, body massage, dermal therapies, and laser treatments.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $62,400
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a beautician?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
SHB50121

Diploma of Beauty Therapy
Blended, On Campus
12 - 18 months
$0 - $21,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Massage Therapist Beautician Waxing Therapist
Spa Therapist Salon Manager Laser Therapist Dermal Therapist Beauty Therapist Cosmetic Nurse Salon Assistant Dermal Clinician IPL and Laser Technician Reflexology Therapist
+ 10 more
SHBBHRS010

Provide Waxing Services
Online
6 weeks
$1,799
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician Salon Assistant
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician Salon Assistant
SHB30321

Certificate III in Nail Technology
Blended, On Campus, Online
3 - 14 months
$0 - $10,255
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Nail Technician Beautician Retail Assistant
Beauty Therapist Salon Assistant
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Nail Technician Beautician Retail Assistant Beauty Therapist Salon Assistant + 2 more
SHB30121

Certificate III in Beauty Services
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
4 - 24 months
$0 - $11,863
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician Nail Technician Retail Assistant
Eyelash and Eyebrow Technician Waxing Therapist Makeup Artist Beauty Therapist Salon Assistant
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician Nail Technician Retail Assistant Eyelash and Eyebrow Technician Waxing Therapist Makeup Artist Beauty Therapist Salon Assistant + 5 more
SHB40121

Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
$0 - $18,850
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beauty Therapist Beautician Nail Technician
Waxing Therapist Spa Therapist Dermal Therapist Cosmetic Nurse
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beauty Therapist Beautician Nail Technician Waxing Therapist Spa Therapist Dermal Therapist Cosmetic Nurse + 4 more
SHBBFAS005

Provide Facial Treatments and Skin Care Recommendations
On Campus
2 - 11 weeks
$0 - $2,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician
SHBBNLS007

Provide Manicure and Pedicare Services
Blended, On Campus
1 - 4 days
$0 - $2,920
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beautician
SHB60221

Advanced Diploma of Skin Therapy
Blended, On Campus
2 - 12 months
$0 - $17,720
  • Completed Diploma of Beauty Therapy or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Skin Therapist Dermal Therapist Clinical Aesthetician
Beauty Therapist Beautician Laser Therapist
+ 3 more
  • Completed Diploma of Beauty Therapy or equivalent qualifications OR
  • Evidence of relevant skills, knowledge and employment experience
Additional requirements may apply.
Skin Therapist Dermal Therapist Clinical Aesthetician Beauty Therapist Beautician Laser Therapist + 3 more
SHB50321

Diploma of Cosmetic Tattooing
Blended, On Campus
9 - 12 months
$0 - $11,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beauty Therapist Beautician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Beauty Therapist Beautician
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Nail Technician

Nail Technicians provide manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements, creating art designs, selling products, and maintaining equipment in salons.

Avg yearly income $72,800
Skill level Beginner

Eyelash and Eyebrow Technician

Eyelash and Eyebrow Technicians offer services like extensions, tinting, shaping, and threading, while managing salon tasks and maintaining equipment hygiene.

Avg yearly income $63,700
Skill level Beginner

Waxing Therapist

Waxing Therapists remove body hair with hot and strip wax, providing aftercare while working in salons, spas, or mobile services.

Avg yearly income $65,000
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much do Beauticians earn?

In Australia, a full time beautician generally earns $1,200 per week ($62,400 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.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for Beauticians?

Opportunities for beauticians in Australia are expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years as more than 25,000 new jobs open up around the country. Beauticians work in beauty and hair salons, day spas, wellness centres, cruise ships, fashion houses, hotels and resorts, fashion houses, theatres and production studios.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Beautician?

You can get started as a beautician with a VET qualification — a Certificate III in Make-Up or Beauty Therapy are great choices. These qualifications usually take about 6 months to complete and will give you a diverse range of beauty service skills. If you have your heart set on opening your salon you could try a Diploma in Beauty Therapy or Salon Management which can take 1.5-2 years.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

How to get into beauty therapy

20th June 2020)

What can you do with a Certificate III in Beauty Services?

29th September 2020)

Most popular hair and beauty courses

21st June 2022)

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