Barber Courses
Barbers cut and style men's hair, shave beards, and offer grooming services while managing appointments, selling products, and maintaining equipment.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Barber
Get qualified to work as a Barber with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
SHB30516
Duration
12 weeks - 3 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
Get the skills you need to work at a barber’s shop with the Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516). It’s a nationally recognised qualification and completed over 12 months at a training centre that enables you to practice your skills. The course is hands-on and covers: shampoo and basin services, haircut design and technique, shaving heads and faces as well as merchandising and cash transactions. Enquire now for a list of study units and enrolment opportunities.
Career opportunities
Duration
12 weeks - 3 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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SHB40216
Duration
5 months - 16 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
Are you a qualified hairdresser and ready to level-up your cutting and colouring technique? Try the Certificate SHB40216 IV in Hairdressing. This nationally recognised training course is completed over 6 months and introduces the latest hairdressing trends (and techniques) in freehand clipping, chemical reformation, creative colouring and lightening. The course also covers makeup services, product sales, and salon leadership.
Enquire now for the full list of study units and upcoming enrolment dates.
Career opportunities
Duration
5 months - 16 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus
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SHBHDES003
Study mode
On Campus, Online
The SHBHDES003 Create Finished Hair Designs is an accredited course focusing on hair styling in Sydney, recognised through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This course equips hairdressers and barbers with the skills to consult, advise, and recommend suitable hair designs based on client preferences and facial features. It is designed for professionals in hairdressing salons or barber shops, emphasising discretion, judgment, and accountability in client service and the execution of hair designs.
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Career opportunities
Study mode
On Campus, Online
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SHB30516 & SHB50216
This dual qualification will equip students with the practical skills and knowledge required to work as a professional barber and salon manager. The Certificate III in Barbering component covers barbering techniques, communication, customer service, and hygiene and safety procedures. The Diploma of Salon Management component covers management principles, financial planning, marketing, human resources, and business operations. Upon completion, graduates will have the ability to work independently, manage a...
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Barber.
Common questions
How much do Barbers earn?
In Australia, a full time Barber generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for Barbers?
Opportunities for Barbers in Australia are expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years as more than 31,000 new jobs for hairdressers and barbers open up around the country. Barbers traditionally work in men’s barber shops, but can also find employment with hair and beauty salons, day spas, cruise ships, upmarket hotels and resorts.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Barber?
Barbers usually get started by completing an apprenticeship working under a qualified Barber. To prepare yourself for an apprenticeship try completing a VET qualification such as the Certificate II in Salon Assistant or Certificate III in Barbering. An apprenticeship can take 3-4 years to complete.
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Choose from a range of accredited Hair and Beauty courses offered by nationally recognised providers that will prepare you with practical skills and knowledge to land that next dream job.
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Courses for every level and standard, from short courses to diploma qualifications and higher. Find the qualification to suit you, and turn your passion for hair, nails and beauty into a profession.
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Become a professional hairdresser or barber or gain the skills to run a thriving salon with an accredited qualification in Australia.
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More information
Barbers style and cut men’s hair and traditionally worked from a barber shop displaying the famous red, white, and blue swirled poles outside. As a barber you won’t just be cutting hair though, your work day could also include shaving beards, shampooing hair, massaging, grooming, and applying colouring treatments.
When not cutting and styling hair, a savvy barber will also be found arranging appointments, ordering supplies, selling hair and skin products, processing financial transactions, and keeping equipment clean and sanitised. As a qualified barber you could open your own barbershop or mobile barbering service.
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