Barbers
SOC Code: 39-5011Also known as:
Barber, Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Cutter, Licensed Barber
Median Annual Salary
$38,960
+4.1% growth (2024-2034)
8K
Openings/Year
76K
Current Jobs
What Barbers Do
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
💰 Salary
$38,960
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
8K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
76,000
Projected Employment (2034)
79,200
Related Careers
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
$35,250 •
+5.6% growth
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280 •
+8.1% growth
Manicurists and pedicurists
$34,660 •
+7.0% growth
Shampooers
$31,470 •
+5.5% growth
Skincare specialists
$41,560 •
+6.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
- Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
- Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
- Clean work stations and sweep floors.
- Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
- Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
- Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
- Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.
- Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Barbers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a barbers:
Barbering/Barber
12,398 degrees awarded •
495 colleges offer this program
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
1,436 degrees awarded •
349 colleges offer this program
Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design
1,386 degrees awarded •
90 colleges offer this program
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
514 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Barbers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become barbers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do barbers make?
The median annual salary for barbers is $38,960.
What education do barbers need?
Most barbers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Barbering/Barber, Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor, Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design.
Is becoming barbers a good career choice?
Barbers is projected to see +4.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 8,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for barbers?
Top colleges for aspiring barbers include
Emily Griffith Technical College, Futura Career Institute, Houston Barber School, Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, Central Georgia Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to barbers?
Barbers may also be known as: Barber, Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Cutter, Licensed Barber, Stylist, Tonsorial Artist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.