Barbers
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Also called: Barber · Barber Shop Operator · Barber Stylist · Stylist
Median pay (national)
$38,960
$27,770–$78,440 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
18,100
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+4.1%
~8,400 openings/yr
Typical entry
Postsecondary nondegree award
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for barbers shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $78,440 versus $27,770 at the bottom 10% — 2.8x. The median of $38,960 leaves roughly 101% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 8,400 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 36 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $102,360, +163% vs the national median), while Mississippi sits lowest at $24,110 — a 325% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- 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.
- 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.
Tools & technology
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- Appointment scheduling software
- Customer information databases
- Point of sale POS payment software
- YouTube
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Sales and Marketing