What you could do with a qualification in beauty therapy

Whether you're interested in skincare, make-up or nail art, as someone passionate about beauty, you know exactly what it takes to create the perfect beauty routine. By exploring a career in beauty therapy, you can utilise your passion and experience to grow your knowledge and create the kinds of beauty services you'd like to receive.

What are the career options in beauty therapy?

Given that Australians spend $22 billion annually on cosmetics and related services, the beauty business is a growing field of employment with a wide range of career options available to you. Men are quickly becoming a significant market sector for the industry, and procedures including microdermabrasion, laser therapy, and injectables are growing in popularity.

With a beauty therapy qualification you have the option to apply for roles as a beauty therapist, beautician, customer service assistant, makeup artist or nail technician. You can also explore roles in the entertainment industry, specialising in special effects or film make-up. Your options are vast and, if you decide to work for yourself, you have the opportunity to carve out a unique career tailored to your skills and interests.

Is it too late to train and start a career in beauty therapy?

It's never too late to start your career in beauty therapy. In fact, according to the Australian Governments Labour Market Insights, over 40 per cent of beauty therapists in Australia are over 35 years old.

It's important to keep in mind that a career in beauty therapy is often fairly physical and usually requires you to have strong hand and arm muscles and the ability to make repetitive motions, especially when performing massages. However, as you grow your career and invest in more advanced qualifications, options to move into less physical roles will open up to you. For example you could explore becoming a clinic manager, spa coordinator or nail technician.

What qualification do you need to become a beauty therapist?

In Australia, to work as a beauty therapist you need a formal qualification. You can begin your career with a Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30121), which will qualify you for entry-level roles.

Kick starting your career with TAFE Queensland's Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50115) will see you qualified for more advanced roles where you specialise in a specific stream. You'll also be well prepared to work in managerial roles, so you'll have all the skills you need to start your own beauty business if that's the path you choose. At TAFE Queensland you'll train in our on-campus beauty salons in a simulated work environment using the latest and best industry products and equipment.

Find out more about a career in beauty therapy from Tracy, one of our faculty staff and a passionate industry-connected individual. In her webinar Tracy talks about studying beauty with TAFE Queensland and the wonderful career opportunities available in today’s beauty industry.