• Home
  • Courses by Subject
      • Accounting
      • Bookkeeping
      • Finance
      • MYOB
      • Payroll
      • Xero
      • Animal Care
      • Animal Science
      • Dog Training
      • Pet Grooming
      • Veterinary Nursing
      • Arts
      • Dance
      • Design
      • Graphic Design
      • Interior Design
      • Photography
      • User Experience Design
      • Web Design
      • Building and Construction
      • Carpentry
      • Plumbing
      • Business
      • Business Administration
      • Business Development
      • Business Operations
      • Change Management
      • Customer Service
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Human Resources
      • Leadership and Management
      • Logistics
      • Management
      • MBA
      • Organisational Development
      • PRINCE2
      • Product Management
      • Professional Development
      • Project Management
      • Quality Management
      • Reception
      • Small Business
      • Supply Chain Operations
      • Aged Care
      • Alcohol and Other Drugs
      • Community Services
      • Disability
      • Individual Support
      • Youth Work
      • Child Care
      • Education
      • Education Support
      • Training and Assessment
      • Manufacturing
      • Agriculture
      • Conservation and Land Management
      • Horticulture
      • Sustainability
      • Beauty
      • Eyebrow
      • Hairdressing
      • Lash
      • Makeup
      • Nail Technology
      • Allied Health
      • Counselling
      • Dental Assisting
      • Fitness
      • Health
      • Health Administration
      • Health Science
      • Health Services Assistance
      • Life Coaching
      • Massage
      • Medical Administration
      • Mental Health
      • Naturopathy
      • Nursing
      • Nutrition
      • Personal Training
      • Pharmacy
      • Practice Management
      • Psychology
      • Sports Management
      • Event Management
      • Hospitality
      • Retail
      • Travel and Tourism
      • Wedding Planning
      • Agile
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • AWS
      • Cloud Computing
      • Coding
      • CompTIA
      • Cyber Security
      • Data Analytics
      • Data Science
      • IT
      • ITIL
      • Microsoft
      • Networking
      • Programming
      • Software
      • Systems Administration
      • Web Development
      • Compliance and Risk
      • Criminology
      • Government
      • Legal
      • Work Health and Safety
      • Digital Marketing
      • Marketing
      • Sales
      • Social Media Marketing
    • Blended
    • In-class
    • Online
    • Virtual
  • Courses by State
    • ACT
    • New South Wales
    • Northern Territory
    • Queensland
    • South Australia
    • Tasmania
    • Victoria
    • Western Australia
    • Graduate Diploma
    • Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • Associate Degree
    • Graduate Certificate
    • Certificate II
    • Certificate III
    • Certificate IV
    • Bachelor
    • Masters
    • Short
  • Courses by Provider
  • Government Funded Courses
  • Student Hub
  • The Workforce Training Hub
  • FAQs
 Homepage

How to Become a Beauty Therapist: a Social Career With Flexible Hours

To become a qualified beauty therapist, you generally need formal training through an RTO (registered training organisation) or as an apprentice. Qualifications such as a Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30115), Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115) or a Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115) provide the core beauty skills needed to hit the ground running in your new career.

Discover more about life as a beauty therapist, the skills you need and how to make sure you are ready to take on your first job in this exciting industry.

beauty-therapist
  • Overview
  • How to Become
  • Pathways
  • Qualifications

Beauty therapist job description

info Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed beauty therapists about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Beauty therapists use their vast knowledge of all things beauty to assess skin, hair and nails. They provide non-medical treatments in a relaxing environment to clients from all walks of life. Whether a client sees their beauty therapist for a quick spot of maintenance or an entire pamper session, a visit to the local salon should be an enjoyable and nurturing experience.

Tasks and responsibilities for a beauty therapist

A day in the life of a beauty therapist involves appointments with individual clients, assessing their needs and providing the treatment required to achieve their desired outcome. Typically working in a salon or spa, to begin with, beauty therapists can often branch out into specialised areas and even go into business for themselves.

So, what do beauty therapists do? Some responsibilities of a beauty therapist are:

  • Conducting client consultations
  • Analysing skin and conducting beauty assessments
  • Performing face and body treatments
  • Removing body hair
  • Scheduling appointments, maintaining client records and administration tasks
  • Managing client relationships
  • Monitoring and replenishing stock
  • Giving manicures and pedicures
  • Upselling treatments and selling product
  • Keeping a clean and hygienic work area

How to become a beauty therapist

Beauty therapists are generally required to have a qualification in beauty to gain a position at a salon or spa. Having the vital skills in all beauty related areas means you are ready to treat clients straight away and provide a high standard of service. You can gain beauty therapist training in several ways. With options for flexible learning and different beauty therapist qualifications available, you can make your study fit in with your life and plans.
  1. Study

    An accredited beauty therapy course through a TAFE or RTO (registered training organisation) introduces all areas of beauty therapy and can significantly improve job prospects. Programs like a Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30115), a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115) or a Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115) cover a broad range of skills and enable students to find the right fit for their career plans.

  2. Apprenticeship

    Several beauty therapy qualifications are also available as an Australian Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships allow students to earn money and learn simultaneously and provide on-the-ground experience straight away. Apprenticeships, like other jobs, are often advertised on job boards.

  3. Work experience

    Contact some local beauty clinics and enquire about offering some of your time to help out. You may have to start on some small jobs like cleaning work areas or reception, but work experience is a great way to gain industry knowledge and may lead to future employment such as an apprenticeship.

Pathway options

info
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.

In the beauty industry, there are different beauty therapist levels.

While beauticians and beauty therapists provide clients with a vast selection of services, you could move into a more advanced, specialised role with experience and further study.

Diploma-level beauty therapists have a more comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of beauty therapy. Specialists like dermal therapists offer skin treatments such as needling, laser and chemical peels.

A job as a beauty therapist can open up many job avenues. Some beauty therapy career pathways could be:

Junior

  • Eyelash and eyebrow technician

    Most common qualification: Eyelash or eyebrow certificate

  • Nail technician

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Nail Technology (SHB30315)

  • Beautician

    Most common qualification: Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30115)

Mid

  • Beauty therapist

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115)

  • Makeup artist

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)

  • Senior beauty therapist

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)

  • Laser therapist

    Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115)

  • Special effects makeup artist

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services) (CUA51020)

  • Dermal therapist

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)

Senior

  • Dermal clinician

    Most common qualification: Bachelor of Health Science (Dermal Therapies)

  • Salon or spa manager

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216)

  • Cosmetic nurse

    Most common qualification: Bachelor of Nursing

  • Laser technician

    Most common qualification: Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115)

Explore related qualifications

Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy

Study method Online

A Cert IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40115) delves deeply into a range of beauty therapy treatments and services, including lash and brow treatments, nail services, makeup, massage and waxing. Graduates can effectively communicate with clients to recommend services and sell skin-care and cosmetic products.

 

This qualification prepares the learner for an independent role as a beauty therapist who provides finely tuned honed technical skills and rarely needs guidance from others.

 

The average course duration is 12 months full-time and can be available as an Australian Apprenticeship. This course can be delivered in a combination of virtual and face-to-face classes and involves valuable hands-on experience.

 

Depending on the training establishment, government subsidies and payment plans may be available to eligible students.

Read More

1 providers offer this course

Open Colleges

Related subjects

Many jobs in the beauty industry can offer great career potential. No matter what role you embark on, all areas of the beauty sector need newcomers with enthusiasm and fresh ideas.

Some other careers to explore:

Beauty
Beauty
Massage
Massage

Related articles

If a social job that allows you to exercise your creative flair and love for beauty products sounds pretty good, a career as a beauty therapist might be perfect for you.

Explore a massive catalogue of articles, resources and short course information to learn more about your new dream job:

Six Things You Should Do When Starting Your Beauty Business
Six Things You Should Do When Starting Your Beauty Business
Read More
Six Reasons Why You Should Work in Beauty Therapy
Six Reasons Why You Should Work in Beauty Therapy
Read More
What Does a Beautician or Beauty Therapist Do? Bringing Joy Through Beauty
What Does a Beautician or Beauty Therapist Do? Bringing Joy Through Beauty
Read More
How to Become a Makeup Artist
How to Become a Makeup Artist
Read More
How to Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist
How to Become a Special Effects Makeup Artist
Read More
How to Become a Lash Technician
How to Become a Lash Technician
Read More
What Are The Different Beauty Courses I Can Study in Australia?
What Are The Different Beauty Courses I Can Study in Australia?
Read More
Top Five Highest Paying Beauty Jobs
Top Five Highest Paying Beauty Jobs
Read More
Five exciting beauty careers you can pursue
Five exciting beauty careers you can pursue
Read More
How to grow your beauty career: Expert tips and strategies
How to grow your beauty career: Expert tips and strategies
Read More
TAFE beauty courses vs. short beauty courses: Which one's right for you?
TAFE beauty courses vs. short beauty courses: Which one's right for you?
Read More
7 Beauty Treatments You’ll Love to Learn About (and Do!)
7 Beauty Treatments You’ll Love to Learn About (and Do!)
Read More
How to Become A Mobile Hairdresser
How to Become A Mobile Hairdresser
Read More
Hairdressing Apprenticeship Guide: Everything you Need to Know
Hairdressing Apprenticeship Guide: Everything you Need to Know
Read More
7 High Demand and High Paying Careers for Creatives in 2025
7 High Demand and High Paying Careers for Creatives in 2025
Read More
8 Best Working From Home Jobs in 2025: How to Make Money From Home Online
8 Best Working From Home Jobs in 2025: How to Make Money From Home Online
Read More
Career Quiz Results: The Carer
Career Quiz Results: The Carer
Read More
51 Best Remote Jobs: How You Can Earn a Living Entirely Online
51 Best Remote Jobs: How You Can Earn a Living Entirely Online
Read More
What Qualification Should You Take On? (New Guide)
What Qualification Should You Take On? (New Guide)
Read More
What is Remedial Massage?
What is Remedial Massage?
Read More
5 Careers in Natural Therapies
5 Careers in Natural Therapies
Read More

Reviews

info How we collect reviews

Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.

Is this your job title?

Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Emily
Nov 08 2021

You'll never get tired of making people feel good.

What are the best parts of the job?

There is so much job satisfaction in making people feel good. A client's happiness post-treatment, whether it be from a fresh set of nails or a rejuvenating facial, you'll never get tired of the positive feedback. New products and treatments, along with keeping up with the latest trends in beauty keeps the job interesting. You also have pretty flexible hours (depending on the job itself).

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Although the positives far outweigh the negatives, you won't be able to please everyone (and that's okay!). Especially in the beginning, it can be hard to be confident in yourself. But as you continue to build up your experience, you'll also build up your resilience. Beauty therapy can also be quite exhausting work, as you're often on your feet all day. Again, you'll learn how to manage this by learning how to stand a certain way, massge a certain way, etc. Time management can also be tough.

Read More
Qualification Masters degree
Experience 10+
Organisation size Self-employed
Tori
Nov 05 2021

An amazing career that helps clients feel special.

What are the best parts of the job?

Being able to make clients feel better and make them feel more confident and special about themselves after working with them to achieve how they would like to change their looks. Being able to learn in greater detail about taking care of your own skin and other things. Building relations with repeat customers over time.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Hoping that I won't make a mistake while working with a client and having to remember all the aspects of my job. There is no room for leeway because the results must be excellent.

Read More
Qualification Diploma
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Leila
Nov 06 2021

A fulfilling career with so much potential to grow.

What are the best parts of the job?

Every day is different, and there is so much you can do when it comes to the scope of treatments you can do. If there's one that you're particularly good at, you can always specialised or niche down into that field, for example, massage therapist or nail tech. New industry trends are always emerging too, so you'll never be bored!

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

It's a competitve landscape. As beauty is considered a "luxury", it's often the first thing that goes when people are experiencing financial hardship. But if you're exceptional at what you do, there is always clientele that are willing to prioritise their treatments.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 200+ employees
Edward
Nov 09 2021

A socially satisfying career where you get to express your creativity.

What are the best parts of the job?

I adore my clients. There is so much joy in bringing happiness to someone in the form of a beauty treatment. Establishing and maintaining these relationships is very satisfying.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Dealing with difficult clients.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Specialisation Makeup application
Abbey
Nov 06 2021

A passion-driven role that makes people feel good.

What are the best parts of the job?

Working with clients and making them happy.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Working to a time limit.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Lucinda
Nov 08 2021

Rewarding but sometimes tiring.

What are the best parts of the job?

Making people feel better about themselves on a daily basis.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Very long days and sometimes having to work on weekends can make work-life balance a bit tricky.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Maria

Improves the wellbeing of clients through tailored treatments.

What are the best parts of the job?

Helping client combat their skin concerns, seeing the changes in someone once they have improved their concerns

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Satisfying all customers is challenging as the general expectation is instant results and this is not the case. Skin treatments are a journey and don’t happen over night.

Read More
Qualification Certificate (nonaccredited)
Experience 1-3
Organisation size Self-employed
Specialisation Skin needling
1 2 3
  • Popular Subjects
  • Qualification Type
  • Government Funded Courses
  • Courses by Location
  • Accounting
  • Aged Care
  • Animal Care
  • Beauty
  • Business
  • Business Admin
  • Child Care
  • Community Services
  • Counselling
  • Disability
  • Education
  • Health
  • IT
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Photography
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • View More
  • View More
  • South Australia
  • Brisbane
  • Canberra
  • Melbourne
  • Perth
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia
  • View More
  • Courses In ACT
  • Courses In NSW
  • Courses In NT
  • Courses In QLD
  • Courses In SA
  • Courses In Tasmania
  • Courses In VIC
  • Courses In WA
  • View More
Courses
  • All Subjects
  • Online Courses
  • Courses by Location
Education Providers
  • Our Providers
  • What is an RTO?
Government Funded Courses
  • What is a government funded course?
  • Am I eligible?
  • Funding by State
Resources
  • Our blog
About us
  • About training.com.au
  • FAQs
  • Meet Our Authors
Contact us
  • Advertise your course
  • Become an affiliate
Accessibility and Testing
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Get rewarded for your feedback!
  • What is usability testing?
Certified B Corporation
Training AU Facebook Training AU Instagram Training AU Tiktok
Certified B Corporation
Australian Aboriginal flag Torres Strait Islander flag
In the spirit of reconciliation, training.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Copyright © 2025 Training.com.au
All Rights Reserved.
Back to Top

You are currently visiting our Australian website Training.com.au

Would you like to visit our New Zealand website instead?

Visit Training.co.nz