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Hairdresser

Find out more about working as a hairdresser and the possible pathways to job opportunities.

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A hairdresser washes, cuts, styles and colours hair in a salon or home setting. If you’re passionate about hair styling and trends, this role could be for you.

Find out what a hairdresser does and the related Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses and pathways you can take to secure a job.

What is a hairdresser?

Hairdressers work in salons and people’s homes. As a hairdresser, you wash, cut, colour and style hair, and help treat hair and scalp conditions.

This is a great job for someone who likes to work with their hands, and doesn’t mind working on their feet. If you’re a people person with the ability to build strong relationships with clients, this is also a plus.

Find out more about hairdressers(opens in a new window) and these related jobs on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

Explore these related TAFE and training courses on the Victorian Skills Gateway(opens in a new window):

You may be eligible for government funding to help pay for your course.

Median salary

The median weekly earnings for hairdressers in Australia is $1,121.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia(opens in a new window)

Note this salary is current as of January 2025 and is indicative only. A range of salaries apply to different roles across the industry.

Job demand in Victoria

Below are the projected employment for hairdresser jobs in Victoria. Figures show the number of workers in 2024 and the new workers expected to enter the workforce by 2027 and 2034.

‘New workers expected’ accounts for workers adding new jobs to the economy and replacing retirees over the next 3 and 10 years. These projections are estimates only. There will be additional jobs available as people move between jobs and industries.

Region Workers 2024 New workers expected by 2027 New workers expected by 2034
Victoria 15,327 884 4.973
Melbourne – inner metropolitan 1.899 152 718
Melbourne – inner south-east metropolitan 1,256 56 339
Melbourne – southern metropolitan 2,220 111 673
Melbourne – northern metropolitan 1,841 133 734
Melbourne – eastern metropolitan 2,192 92 607
Melbourne – western metropolitan 1,588 150 734
Ballarat and surrounds (Central Highlands) 470 20 151
Bendigo, Echuca and surrounds (Loddon Campaspe) 706 27 176
Geelong, Colac and surrounds (Barwon) 1,013 50 367
Gippsland 822 60 219
Horsham and surrounds (Wimmera Southern Mallee) 126 <10 20
Mildura, Swan Hill and surrounds (Mallee) 240 <10 39
Shepparton, Seymour and surrounds (Goulburn) 327 <10 63
Wangaratta, Wodonga and surrounds (Ovens Murray) 304 20 73
Warrnambool, Hamilton and surrounds (Great South Coast) 323 <10 59

Source: Victorian Skills Authority Employment Projections Dashboard

Career story

Paige Cotchin case study

Styled for self-image: Paige’s hairdressing impact

“Our apprenticeships are naturally very practical. You’re in the salon getting first-hand experience which opens up windows of opportunity for learning, growth and making connections in the industry.”

Resources to plan your next steps

Visit our personal services industry profile to find out about:

Explore growing industries in your region

Training and careers in your region

Explore training, skills and job opportunities in your area of Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of job you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Training and careers in growing industries

Learn about high demand industries in Victoria. Find out where you could work, what kind of jobs you could do, and what training you’ll need.

Updated 20 December 2024

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