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How much should a beauty business owner pay themselves? If you’re running a six figure salon and still can’t afford a holiday, this episode shows you exactly where the money is going.

I break down the real numbers on a $100K beauty business in Australia: GST, salon expenses, tax, Medicare and super. After all of it, the owner can take home less than a level one salon assistant on the Hair and Beauty Industry Award.

This was me for years. Six figures coming in, clients booked and I still couldn’t save for a holiday. If you’re a lash artist, brow artist, beauty therapist or salon owner who’s busy but has no money left over, start here.

In this episode

• Why six figures isn’t enough for most beauty businesses in 2026
• Beauty therapist award rates in Australia, by qualification (cert III, cert IV, diploma)
• Where every dollar of a $100K salon goes, and what’s left as your wage
• Why salon owners need holiday pay and sick pay, and how I learned it from a hospital bed
• How to work out your salon expenses, profit and pricing from 12 months of takings

Plus a catch-up on the BBS Insider Event on the Gold Coast and what running beauty industry events really costs.

Want help knowing your numbers? We teach salon finances inside Beauty Business School, including the calculator that shows exactly where your money is going. beautybusinessschool.com.au

Are you looking to level up your salon in 2026? Every beauty business owner needs Beauty Business Foundation, this is the KEY areas you need to have a successful beauty business. Want to learn more? 

https://beautybusinessschool.com.au/beauty-business-foundations-2025/

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