[Loreano]

I am 21 and have only worked in retail, sadly I have lost my job and am now thinking about a change in career.

I am thinking about hairdressing, it’s something I have always been interested in. I know that first year apprentices only gets paid peanuts but was wondering what a qualified hairdresser gets paid?

[quincy]

It's not the best paid of professions even when you are fully qualified. That is part of the reason why there is a shortage of hairdressers. I don't think that you will get paid much above the minimum wage of $14.39 an hour until you have many years of experience.

http://www.safework.sa.gov.au/show_page.jsp?id=5116
Hairdressing apprentices are exempt from the minimum wage for the moment which is why they are paid so little.

Best way to go would be to have your own salon. Some hairdressers work from home e.g. a room or a converted garage to keep costs down.

[vine]

It's a tiring job because you are on your feet all day. My best friend is a hairdresser and she comes home exhausted each day with swollen feet.

I agree the best way to go is to have your own place. You'll make far more money that way.

[Heidi]

I am 21 and have only worked in retail, sadly I have lost my job and am now thinking about a change in career.

I am thinking about hairdressing, it’s something I have always been interested in. I know that first year apprentices only gets paid peanuts but was wondering what a qualified hairdresser gets paid?


Yes I have a friend who is a hairdresser. She started of on really low wages but after a few years her rates picked up. She now has her own place and loves it. I think you have to accept a few years on lower pay as you learn the trade and build up a reputation.

It's a good trade for swaps as well. She gets a lot of her odd jobs done around the house by offering haircuts in exchange.