Hairdressing and barbering courses
Both ways into this trade are short certificates: one trains you as a hairdresser in a salon, the other as a barber. Here's what each course leads to, how long it takes and what it costs.
- Quickest way to start
- 6 months
- Certificate III, full time at TAFE NSW
- TAFE cost from
- $880
- subsidised Certificate II, TAFE NSW
- What the jobs pay
- $62,900
- median pay across 2 jobs
- Demand
- 2 of 2 jobs
- are on the national shortage list
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate III in Hairdressing
Work as a hairdresser in a salon
Cut, colour, straighten and style clients' hair, and build up your own regular clientele.
JobHairdresser
Median pay$62,900
- How long it takes
- 6 to 24 months full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $2,130 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $14,070 full fee
- How you'll study
- Online, on campus or on the job
Certificate III in Barbering
Work as a barber
Cut and groom men's hair and beards, including clipper work, fades and wet shaves.
JobBarber
Median pay$62,900
- How long it takes
- About 0.5 to 3 years full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $2,130 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $11,810 full fee
- How you'll study
- On campus or on the job
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate II in Salon Assistant | Certificate III in Barbering | Certificate III in Hairdressing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $880 | $5,260 | $2,130 | $11,810 | $2,130 | $14,070 |
| Chisholm Institute | VIC | Not listed | Not listed | $4,040 | $11,760 | $5,000 | $14,645 |
| GOTAFE | VIC | $1,650 | $5,115 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $18,685 |
| The Gordon | VIC | $1,838 | $4,389 | $3,919 | $14,230 | $4,126 | $18,252 |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $1,730 | $3,960 | Not listed | $13,130 | Not listed | $15,375 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
- $880 subsidised
- $5,260 full fee
- Certificate III in Barbering
- $2,130 subsidised
- $11,810 full fee
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
- $2,130 subsidised
- $14,070 full fee
Chisholm InstituteVIC
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Barbering
- $4,040 subsidised
- $11,760 full fee
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
- $5,000 subsidised
- $14,645 full fee
GOTAFEVIC
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
- $1,650 subsidised
- $5,115 full fee
- Certificate III in Barbering
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
- Not listed
- $18,685 full fee
The GordonVIC
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
- $1,838 subsidised
- $4,389 full fee
- Certificate III in Barbering
- $3,919 subsidised
- $14,230 full fee
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
- $4,126 subsidised
- $18,252 full fee
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate II in Salon Assistant
- $1,730 subsidised
- $3,960 full fee
- Certificate III in Barbering
- Not listed
- $13,130 full fee
- Certificate III in Hairdressing
- Not listed
- $15,375 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other certificates and diplomas
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
- BarberWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$62,900In demand
- HairdresserWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$62,900In demand
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.