Pay structure

Is commission or hourly cheaper for this chair?

Put one stylist's numbers in and see what they'd cost you on commission versus an hourly wage — including the Award top-up you're legally on the hook for. No spin, just the two figures side by side.

Stylist's weekly service revenue (ex GST)

What this one chair bills in a week, before GST.

Commission rate

Their cut of service revenue.

Proposed hourly wage

What you'd pay per hour on a wage instead.

Rostered hours per week

38 is full-time ordinary hours.

Award minimum hourly rate

Hair & Beauty Award L1 adult ballpark — verify at fairwork.gov.au.

Add super to both?

Super rate

Super Guarantee is 12% from 1 Jul 2025.

Cheaper model this week

$147

At this revenue, commission costs you $147 less a week — about $7,635 a year.

Commission cost (incl. top-up)

$1,130

What the commission deal really costs you.

Hourly cost

$1,277

What the wage really costs you.

Award top-up needed

You must lift commission to the Award floor — this is the gap.

Labour as % of revenue

45.2%

Wage cost against what the chair bills.

Crossover revenue

$2,850

Above this weekly billing, hourly wins; below it, commission wins.

Where it goes

Commission cost$1,130

Hourly cost$1,277

Heads up — check this scenario carefully.

Commission cost = (revenue × commission rate), topped up to the Award floor (award rate × hours) if it falls short, then × super if included. Hourly cost = rate × hours × super. Crossover revenue is where the two break even (super cancels out): hours × hourly rate ÷ commission rate. Labour ratio = commission cost ÷ revenue. Super 12% (from 1 Jul 2025). Commission earners must still be paid at least the Award/NES minimum — top up if below. Award rate is a ballpark for Hair & Beauty Award MA000005 L1 adult; verify your stylist's classification and penalties at fairwork.gov.au. This is a planning estimate, not payroll, tax or legal advice.

A working tool, not financial advice. It uses the figures and assumptions you enter — check them against your own numbers and your accountant before any pricing, wage or financial decision. Award and tax figures change (often each 1 July); verify current rates at fairwork.gov.au and ato.gov.au. Shear Profit gives no tax or financial advice.

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