Australia’s fashion and beauty industry is thriving, with a growing demand for skilled stylists in hair salons, fashion boutiques, personal styling services, and luxury retail brands. With an increasing number of salons, fashion houses, and personal styling agencies looking for talented professionals, many employers are offering visa sponsorship opportunities to attract international stylists.
For foreign professionals in hairdressing, fashion styling, or personal image consulting, securing a stylist job in Australia with visa sponsorship in 2024 can be a great career opportunity. Stylists in Australia earn competitive salaries (AUD $50,000–$90,000 per year), enjoy a high standard of living, and can transition to permanent residency through skilled migration programs.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at stylist jobs in Australia, covering job responsibilities, salary expectations, visa sponsorship options, eligibility criteria, and how foreign workers can apply.
Why Australia Needs Foreign Stylists
1. Skilled Worker Shortages in the Hair & Beauty Industry
- Hairdressers, fashion stylists, and image consultants are in demand, especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
- Many Australian salons and fashion brands struggle to find skilled professionals, leading to increased recruitment of foreign workers.
2. Growth of Australia’s Beauty & Fashion Industry
- With a booming luxury fashion and personal styling market, Australia needs more expert stylists to meet customer demand.
- High-end retailers, wedding and event styling agencies, and corporate image consultants are actively hiring foreign talent.
3. Visa Sponsorship Opportunities for International Applicants
- The Australian government supports skilled migration through employer-sponsored visas.
- Foreign workers can secure employment and transition to permanent residency through programs like the Skilled Worker Visa (Subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Types of Stylist Jobs in Australia
Australia offers a variety of stylist roles across different industries:
1. Hair Stylist / Hairdresser
- Duties: Hair cutting, coloring, styling, and treatments.
- Salary: AUD $50,000 – $75,000 per year.
2. Fashion Stylist / Personal Stylist
- Duties: Advising clients on clothing choices, color coordination, and wardrobe selection.
- Salary: AUD $60,000 – $90,000 per year.
3. Retail Stylist (Luxury Fashion & Boutique Stores)
- Duties: Assisting customers with styling advice, product selection, and fashion recommendations.
- Salary: AUD $55,000 – $80,000 per year.
4. Bridal Stylist / Wedding Stylist
- Duties: Styling brides and bridal parties for weddings, helping with gown selection, hair, and makeup.
- Salary: AUD $60,000 – $85,000 per year.
5. Makeup Stylist (Beauty Industry)
- Duties: Providing makeup services for clients, events, and photoshoots.
- Salary: AUD $55,000 – $75,000 per year.
6. Corporate Image Consultant
- Duties: Advising professionals and executives on dressing for success, grooming, and personal branding.
- Salary: AUD $65,000 – $90,000 per year.
Salary Expectations for Stylists in Australia
Salaries for stylists in Australia depend on experience, specialization, and location.
| Job Role | Average Salary (AUD Per Year) | Hourly Wage (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Stylist | $50,000 – $75,000 | $25 – $40 |
| Fashion Stylist | $60,000 – $90,000 | $30 – $50 |
| Makeup Stylist | $55,000 – $75,000 | $28 – $40 |
| Bridal Stylist | $60,000 – $85,000 | $30 – $45 |
| Retail Stylist | $55,000 – $80,000 | $28 – $42 |
| Image Consultant | $65,000 – $90,000 | $32 – $50 |
Additional Benefits Include:
✅ Visa sponsorship and employer support for work permits.
✅ Performance bonuses and commission-based earnings.
✅ Opportunities for career growth into management or specialized styling roles.
Visa Sponsorship Options for Foreign Stylists
Foreign applicants can work as stylists in Australia under various employer-sponsored visa programs.
1. Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
- Allows employers to sponsor foreign stylists for 2–4 years.
- Requires a job offer from an Australian employer in a relevant industry.
- Can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
2. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
- A direct pathway to permanent residency for experienced stylists.
- Requires at least three years of professional experience in styling, hairdressing, or fashion.
3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – For Highly Skilled Stylists
- A points-based system for experienced professionals without employer sponsorship.
- Suitable for senior stylists, image consultants, and high-level hairdressers.
4. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) – For Young Workers
- For applicants aged 18–35 from eligible countries.
- Allows temporary employment in styling, hairdressing, and beauty jobs.
5. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 494)
- For stylists willing to work in regional Australia (outside major cities).
- Leads to permanent residency after three years.
How to Apply for Stylist Jobs in Australia with Visa Sponsorship
1. Search for Job Openings on Australian Job Portals
Foreign applicants can find stylist jobs with visa sponsorship on:
- Salon and fashion industry job boards.
- Recruitment agencies specializing in styling and hairdressing roles.
- Employer websites of luxury brands, salons, and fashion houses.
2. Contact Styling and Hairdressing Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
Some of the top employers hiring international stylists include:
- Toni & Guy Australia (Hair Salons)
- Oscar Oscar Salons (Luxury Hair Styling)
- MECCA Brands (Beauty and Makeup Retailers)
- David Jones and Myer (Luxury Department Stores)
- The Australian Style Institute (Personal Styling Services)
3. Prepare a Professional Resume and Portfolio
- Include styling experience, certifications, and client testimonials.
- Highlight skills in hair cutting, fashion styling, or makeup application.
- Include social media links or website showcasing your work.
4. Secure an Employer-Sponsored Job Offer
- Apply directly to salons, fashion houses, and retail brands hiring international stylists.
- Ensure the employer is registered to sponsor foreign workers.
5. Apply for a Work Visa
- Submit your work permit application through Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
- Complete biometrics, medical examinations, and background checks.
Benefits of Working as a Stylist in Australia
- Stable employment with high earning potential.
- Visa sponsorship and relocation support for skilled workers.
- Access to industry events, workshops, and training.
- Work in luxury salons, fashion boutiques, and high-end styling agencies.
- Opportunity to open your own salon or styling business in Australia.
Conclusion
Australia offers excellent career opportunities for stylists, with high salaries, visa sponsorship, and pathways to permanent residency. Whether you are a hairdresser, fashion stylist, bridal stylist, or makeup artist, 2025 is the perfect time to apply for styling jobs in Australia.
By securing an employer-sponsored job and applying for the right visa, international applicants can build a successful styling career in Australia’s beauty and fashion industry. If you are looking for a stable, rewarding, and creative career abroad, the styling industry in Australia is waiting for you!