Barbers
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Also called: Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Cutter, Hair Stylist, Licensed Barber, Stylist
Median pay
$38,210
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$28,600 – $76,460
People employed
15,000
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Barbers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (36 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What barbers do
- 01Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- 02Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
- 03Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
- 04Clean work stations and sweep floors.
- 05Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
- 06Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Sales and Marketing
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from barbers
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants71% · −5%
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners70% · −7%
- Bartenders69% · −10%
- Opticians, Dispensing68% · +24%
- Spa Managers68% · group pay
Change into barbers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Cooks, Private Household58% · $47,940
Majors that lead here
- Barbering/Barber
- Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design
- Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
- Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.