Hairdressing and barbering are creative, people-focused trades where you build real skill with your hands and see happy clients walk out the door. If you're into styling, enjoy chatting with people and want a trade that lets you work anywhere — and eventually run your own chair or salon — a hairdressing or barbering apprenticeship is a great path.
This guide covers what these apprenticeships involve in Australia — the work, the training, what you'll earn, how long it takes and how to get started.
What the work involves
Hairdressing and barbering are hands-on service trades. You'll learn cutting, styling, colouring and treatments, all while looking after clients and keeping them coming back.
Typical tasks include:
- Cutting and styling hair for a range of clients
- Colouring, foils, and chemical treatments (more so in hairdressing)
- Clipper work, fades, beard trims and shaves (more so in barbering)
- Washing, blow-drying and finishing
- Consulting with clients about what they want
- Keeping your station and tools clean and hygienic
- Reception, bookings and retail sales in many salons
You'll be on your feet all day in a salon or barbershop, and a big part of the job is customer service — friendly, professional and consistent. Weekend work is common, since that's when salons are busiest.
Qualification and training
Hairdressing apprentices usually complete the Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416 or its current equivalent). Barbering apprentices complete the Certificate III in Barbering. The two overlap but have different focuses.
Training happens two ways:
- On the job: most of your learning is hands-on in a working salon under a qualified stylist.
- Off the job: you attend TAFE or an RTO for theory and practical assessment, often one day a week or in blocks.
A first aid certificate can be handy, and you'll cover hygiene and safe handling of chemicals as part of your training. To understand how the salon and classroom fit together, read TAFE vs On-the-Job Training.
How long it takes
A hairdressing or barbering apprenticeship usually runs around three years full-time. It's formalised through a training contract registered with your state or territory training authority and is competency-based, so progress can affect the timeline.
There's a probation period at the start — see Apprenticeship Contracts and Probation Explained. If you're still at school, a school-based apprenticeship may let you start early — see School-Based Apprenticeships Explained.
What you'll get paid
Hairdressing and barbering apprentice wages are set by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award. Your pay is a percentage of the qualified rate and rises each year as you progress.
You may also be entitled to:
- Penalty rates for weekend and evening work
- Overtime rates
- Superannuation paid on top of your wage
Many stylists earn tips and, once qualified, can boost income through commission on services and retail sales. Wage rates change, so use the Wage Calculator for an estimate. The Fair Work Ombudsman is the official source, and if something looks off, What to Do If You're Being Underpaid explains your options.
How to get started
You don't need top marks — employers care most about creativity, people skills and reliability. The practical path:
- Step 1: Finish school (Year 10 minimum). A friendly, professional manner goes a long way.
- Step 2: Get some experience — even a salon assistant or reception role shows you understand the environment.
- Step 3: Consider a pre-apprenticeship or hairdressing course to build basics — see Pre-Apprenticeship Courses: Are They Worth It?.
- Step 4: Apply for vacancies. Browse apprenticeship jobs and create a free profile to reach salons.
- Step 5: Prepare for interviews with our interview tips — presentation matters in this trade.
Skills and traits that help
Good hairdressing and barbering apprentices tend to be:
- Creative and good with their hands
- Warm, chatty and genuinely good with people
- Well presented and professional
- Reliable, especially for busy weekend shifts — see Reliability Beats Talent
- Open to feedback as their technique develops — see How to Take Feedback Without Taking It Personally
If you're weighing up options, How to Choose the Right Trade can help.
Where it can lead
Hairdressing and barbering are portable trades with genuine business potential. Once qualified, your options include:
- Building a loyal client base and earning through commission and tips
- Specialising in colour, cutting, styling for events, or classic barbering
- Renting a chair as an independent stylist
- Becoming a senior stylist or salon manager — see Becoming a Leading Hand
- Opening your own salon or barbershop — see Starting Your Own Business After Your Trade
Your reputation follows you in this industry — see Building a Reputation That Follows You. Skilled stylists are always in demand, and the qualification travels well anywhere in Australia and overseas.
Key takeaways
- Hairdressing and barbering are creative, people-focused trades built on cutting, styling and customer service
- You'll complete a Certificate III (around three years) split between a working salon and TAFE/RTO study
- Expect weekend and evening work, with penalty rates, tips and commission adding to your income
- Pay is set by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award and rises each year — check the Wage Calculator
- Get started by finishing school, gaining salon experience and applying for jobs
- These trades are portable and offer strong paths to specialising, renting a chair or owning your own salon