Beauty therapist job description

A beauty therapist generally needs a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy, which qualifies them at Level 4 under the Hair and Beauty Award. A Diploma of Beauty Therapy unlocks more advanced treatments and places the therapist at Level 6. Candidates also need working rights in Australia.

A Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy is sufficient for most beauty therapist roles and qualifies the therapist at Level 4. A Diploma of Beauty Therapy (Level 6) is preferred where you offer advanced skin treatments, use more complex electrical equipment, or want the therapist to work at the top of the classification scale. Decide based on your service menu.

Mandatory requirements typically include a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy and working rights in Australia. Preferred qualifications often include a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, previous salon or spa experience, product-specific training and a current first aid certificate. Match the requirement to the treatments and classification level you are hiring for.

Yes. Newly qualified therapists holding a Certificate IV can be hired at Level 4 and developed on the job. Focus on their qualification, attitude, hygiene discipline and client manner. Clear job descriptions help candidates understand expectations and self-select appropriately.

This depends on your business needs. Casual therapists offer flexibility for variable demand but attract a 25% casual loading under MA000005. Permanent part-time staff provide consistency for regular clients and may improve retention. Many salons use a mix of permanent staff for core hours and casuals for peak periods.

Under the Hair and Beauty Award, Saturday work is paid at 133% (158% for casuals), Sunday at 200% (225% for casuals) and public holidays at 250%. Overtime is paid at 150% for the first hours and 200% thereafter. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

In FY2026/27, base rates under MA000005 range from $27.81 per hour at Level 1 to $32.00 per hour at Level 6. A Certificate IV beauty therapist sits at Level 4 and a Diploma-qualified therapist at Level 6. Casuals receive a 25% loading on top. Check the current Hair and Beauty Award rates for exact figures at each level.

Key elements include position title and classification level, employment type (casual, part-time or full-time), hourly rate, the applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work location and required qualifications. For casuals, include the casual loading percentage. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Under the Hair and Beauty Award, rosters must be provided with reasonable notice and changes generally require employee agreement unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Using rostering software helps ensure compliance and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Align therapist rosters with your busiest booking periods and treatment demand. Read our guide on how to roster hairdressing and salon staff, and use rostering software to match staffing to demand while controlling wage costs.

Under the Hair and Beauty Award, employees are entitled to meal and rest breaks based on shift length, typically an unpaid meal break for shifts over five hours. Because therapists often work back-to-back appointments, build breaks into the roster. Use time and attendance tools to track hours and breaks accurately.

Collect availability preferences during onboarding and update them regularly. Use staff availability management tools to track when each therapist can work, and estimate the cost of shifts with the shift cost calculator. This simplifies roster creation and reduces last-minute gaps.