As a salon owner, your focus is usually on the magic happening in the chair, not the numbers on a spreadsheet. But getting your team’s pay right isn’t just about being a good boss, it’s about protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
In Australia, payroll can feel like a maze. To make it easy, we’ve broken down exactly how to calculate wages and superannuation for your hair and beauty staff in 2026.
1. Find Your Employee’s Base Rate
Most staff in our industry fall under the Hair and Beauty Industry Award [MA000005]. Their pay depends on their “level” (which is usually based on their qualifications and experience).
For example, as of early 2026, a Level 3 Hairdresser or Beautician (someone with a Certificate III) has a minimum award rate of roughly $28.12 per hour.
Example: If your senior stylist, Sarah, works a standard 38-hour week at $28.12/hr:
$28.12 \times 38 = $1,068.56 per week (Gross Pay)
2. Calculate the Superannuation (The 12% Rule)
As of July 1, 2025, the Super Guarantee rate increased to 12%. This is the final step in the government’s planned increases, so it stays at 12% for the 2026 financial year.
Super is calculated on Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE). This includes their base pay, commissions, and shift loadings, but usually not overtime.
The Math: > Sarah’s Gross Pay ($1,068.56) $\times$ 0.12 = $128.23
You must pay this $128.23 into her super fund on top of her $1,068.56 salary.
3. Don’t Forget the “Total Cost”
When you’re hiring a new lash tech or stylist, remember that their “hourly rate” isn’t your only cost. You need to budget for the Total Package.
| Pay Item | Calculation | Total |
| Weekly Wages (Gross) | 38 hours @ $28.12 | $1,068.56 |
| Superannuation (12%) | $1,068.56 x 0.12 | $128.23 |
| Total Weekly Cost | Wages + Super | $1,196.79 |
Note: This doesn’t include other costs like WorkCover or Leave Loading, which also add to your bottom line.
4. When Do You Have to Pay?
You should show the super amount on every payslip so your staff can see you’re looking after their future. However, the money must actually leave your bank account and hit their fund at least quarterly:
Q1 (July–Sept): Due Oct 28
Q2 (Oct–Dec): Due Jan 28
Q3 (Jan–March): Due April 28
Q4 (April–June): Due July 28
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Super Guarantee rate for Australian salons in 2026?
As of July 1, 2025, the superannuation rate is 12%. This rate remains in effect for the 2026 financial year and must be paid on all ordinary time earnings for your staff.
Do I have to pay super to salon apprentices?
Yes. In Australia, you must pay super to all employees (including apprentices and juniors) regardless of how much they earn per month, provided they are over 18. If they are under 18, they must work more than 30 hours a week to qualify.
When are the quarterly superannuation deadlines for 2026?
Salon owners must balance their “sums” and pay super by these dates:
- October 28 (Q1),
- January 28 (Q2),
- April 28 (Q3), and
- July 28 (Q4).
Missing these dates can result in heavy ATO penalties.
How do I calculate super on salon commissions?
Commissions are considered “Ordinary Time Earnings.” To calculate the super, add the commission amount to the base wage, then multiply the total by 0.12.
Stop Guessing and Start Growing
Calculating this manually every week for five or ten stylists is a recipe for a headache and a potential audit from Fair Work. One small mistake today can lead to a massive “back pay” bill three years from now.
Ready to get your salon’s finances under control? Start a free 7 day trial now and see how we automate these calculations for you. Let us handle the “sums” so you can get back to making your clients look and feel amazing.
