Looking for a Barber Jobs in Australia, Australia’s barbering industry offers substantial opportunities for international professionals, with visa sponsorship available through the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa introduced in December 2024. The Australian government implemented major reforms, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa with the Skills in Demand (SID) visa on December 7, 2024, aimed at better aligning the country’s workforce needs with skilled foreign labour. Barbers, classified under the broader hairdresser category (ANZSCO 391111), remain eligible for multiple visa pathways and are listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.

The Australian barbering industry continues to experience steady growth, with a shortage of skilled barbers creating opportunities for international professionals to fill these gaps through various visa sponsorship programs. Regional areas show particularly high demand for barbers due to a lack of local professionals, with employers often more flexible with their sponsorship options.

Current visa landscape for barbers

Skills in Demand (SID) visa – The new pathway

The new Skills in Demand visa replaced the TSS visa on December 7, 2024, offering temporary residence for up to four years. This visa fundamentally restructures how barbers can obtain sponsorship in Australia.

Key features of the SID visa include:

• Reduced work experience requirement from 2 years to just 1 year, effective from November 23, 2024
• Extended unemployment period from 60 days to 180 days to find new sponsorship if employment ceases
• Minimum salary threshold of $76,515 (indexed annually), for positions lodged between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026
• Clear pathway to permanent residency through employer nomination

Three streams available

The SID visa operates through three distinct streams:

1. Core Skills Stream: Applies to 456 occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), including hairdressers/barbers
2. Specialist Skills Stream: For high-income positions above $141,210 annually
3. Labour Agreement Stream: Based on specific agreements between employers and the government

Occupation classification and requirements

ANZSCO classification

Barbers fall under the hairdresser classification (ANZSCO 391111), which includes cutting, styling, colouring, straightening and permanently waving hair, and treating hair and scalp conditions. The occupation specifically lists “Barber” as a specialization within this category.

Skills assessment requirements

Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the designated skills assessment authority for hairdressers/barbers. The assessment process varies based on your circumstances:

For those with formal qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of full-time paid work experience with relevant qualifications
• Documentary assessment fee: $1,120
• Technical interview fee: $2,000

For those without formal qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of full-time paid work experience
• Must demonstrate 12 months of work in the last 36 months

English language requirements

English requirements include an IELTS score of 5.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.0 in each component. This applies to the Core Skills stream of the SID visa.

Salary expectations and market conditions

Average salaries across Australia

The barbering profession offers competitive compensation:

• Average salary ranges between $70,000 and $75,000 annually
• National average of $67,027 per year according to Indeed data
• Hourly rates average AU$26.30, with entry-level positions starting at AU$20.22 per hour

Regional variations

• Queensland: Average of $64,907 per year
• Adelaide: Average of $59,022 annually or $28 per hour
• Metropolitan areas generally offer higher base salaries
• Regional positions often include additional benefits like accommodation

Employment opportunities and demand

Industry growth

The Australian job market for barbers has been expanding steadily due to a surge in population and lifestyle trends, opening multiple entry-level and advanced job opportunities. The grooming industry continues to boom, with demand outpacing the supply of qualified local barbers.

Regional opportunities

Regional areas show higher demand for barbers due to lack of local professionals, with employers often more flexible with sponsorship options and offering additional benefits such as priority visa processing. Cities like Perth, Gold Coast, Darwin, and various mining towns actively seek skilled barbers.

Types of employers offering sponsorship

Several employer categories actively sponsor international barbers:

• Traditional barbershops and men’s grooming salons
• Hair salon chains with barbering services
• Regional beauty and grooming establishments
• Shopping centre-based barbershops offering sponsorship for 482 visas with pathways to permanent residency

Visa application process

Step-by-step pathway

1. Skills Assessment
   • Apply through TRA for occupation assessment
   • Provide employment evidence and qualifications
   • Complete technical interview if required
2. Find Sponsoring Employer
   • Target regional areas for better opportunities
   • Focus on small barber shops, hair salons, and beauty chains that offer training and mentorship
3. Employer Nomination
   • Employer must prove genuine need
   • Must meet salary threshold requirements
   • Labour market testing may be required
4. Visa Application
   • Submit application with all supporting documents
   • Health and character checks required
   • Current processing shows 90% of applications completed within standard timeframes

Required documentation

Essential documents include:

• Valid passport
• Skills assessment from TRA
• Employment references and evidence
• English test results
• Health insurance coverage
• Police clearances

Pathways to permanent residency

Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

After working on a SID visa, barbers can transition to permanent residency through:

• Direct Entry stream for those meeting requirements
• Temporary Residence Transition stream after completing 2 years of full-time employment in the same occupation
• Labour Agreement stream where applicable

State nomination options

Barbers may be nominated by State or Territory governments for subclass 491 (regional provisional) or subclass 190 (permanent) visas. Requirements include:

• Minimum 65 points in the points test
• State-specific requirements
• Regional commitment for 491 visa holders

Strategic tips for success

Maximizing sponsorship chances

1. Target regional areas first
   • Regional employers show greater flexibility with sponsorship and offer priority processing
   • Consider mining towns and agricultural areas
2. Build specialized skills
   • Focus on specific techniques (fades, beard grooming, ethnic hair types)
   • Employers value barbers who bring diverse expertise to their team
3. Network effectively
   • Join Australian barbering groups online
   • Connect with employers through LinkedIn
   • Attend industry events when possible

Entry-level opportunities

Apprenticeships and junior barber roles are popular entry-level positions for immigrants, lasting between one and four years, during which you learn various barbering techniques and develop understanding of customer service in an Australian context.

Current market challenges

Competition and standards

The Australian barbering industry maintains high professional standards. International barbers must:

• Adapt to local styling preferences
• Meet Australian workplace safety standards
• Understand local business practices
• Build clientele in new markets

Documentation requirements

Gathering evidence for skills assessment can be challenging, requiring pay and tax evidence, statements of service, photos, videos, and comprehensive work history documentation.

Industry outlook and opportunities

Growing sectors

The barbering industry shows particular strength in:

• Men’s grooming and specialty services
• Multicultural cities like Sydney and Melbourne where diverse barbering skills are highly valued for different hair types and cultural preferences
• Shopping centre locations
• Regional growth areas

Future prospects

Barbering is considered a hands-on trade that cannot be easily automated, making it a secure career option. The combination of population growth, changing grooming trends, and multicultural demographics ensures continued demand.

Success stories and examples

Many international barbers have successfully built thriving careers in Australia through visa sponsorship programs, often beginning in local barbershops before progressing to managerial positions or opening their own shops.

Specific examples include Big Barber Delux in Canberra actively offering 482 sponsorship with pathways to 190 and 491 regional visas, demonstrating real opportunities in the market.

Resources and job search platforms

Primary job boards

• SEEK.com.au – Over 350 barbering positions
• Indeed Australia – 100+ sponsored positions
• Jora.com – Specialized sponsorship listings
• Gumtree – Regional and direct employer listings

Professional networks

• Australian barbering associations
• LinkedIn professional groups
• Barberseek.com – Specialized platform connecting barbers with Australian employers offering sponsorship

Conclusion

Australia’s barbering industry presents genuine opportunities for skilled international professionals through the new Skills in Demand visa system. With reduced experience requirements, extended job search periods, and clear pathways to permanent residency, the current framework is more accessible than ever. Success requires proper preparation through skills assessment, strategic targeting of regional opportunities, and understanding of Australian workplace standards.

The combination of industry growth, regional demand, and multicultural market needs creates a favorable environment for international barbers seeking to build careers in Australia. By following the structured visa pathways and focusing on areas of high demand, skilled barbers can successfully secure sponsorship and establish rewarding careers in Australia’s thriving grooming industry.