Barbers

SOC code 39-5011 · O*NET-SOC 39-5011.00 · Medium preparation needed

Barbers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$38,210

a year

Hourly

$18.37

per hour

10th$28,600Median$38,21090th$76,460

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$47,070

$22.63 per hour

Middle 50%

$31,570 – $58,960

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$28,600 – $76,460

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

15,000

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $28,600; $13.75/hr
25th percentile: $31,570; $15.18/hr
Median percentile: $38,210; $18.37/hr
75th percentile: $58,960; $28.35/hr
90th percentile: $76,460; $36.76/hr

What does a barber do?

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
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.
Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
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.

How to become a barber

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a barber earn?

The national median is $38,210 a year. The full range runs from $28,600 at the 10th percentile to $76,460 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a barber without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.3/5
Speaking3.1/5
Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Monitoring2.8/5
Critical Thinking2.6/5
Active Learning2.6/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
English Language3.6/5
Sales and Marketing3.5/5
Education and Training3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.4/5
Law and Government3.1/5
Administration and Management3.1/5
Chemistry3.1/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making, Coordination.