Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career

Barber

Also called: Master Barber · Men’s Hairstylist · Barbershop Owner · Barber Stylist

What barbers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a barber do?

Barbers cut, trim and style hair, shave and shape beards and mustaches, and build loyal clientele in barbershops. The median pay is $38,210 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 9–15 months, and employment is projected to grow +3.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $38,210
    $18.37/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +3.3%
    2025–35, about as fast as average
  • Openings per year
    6,900
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Postsecondary nondegree award
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    9–15 months
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    75,800
    Employment, 2025

What barbers do

Barbers are craftspeople and community hubs. They cut hair with clippers and shears, create fades and designs, shave with straight razors, shape beards, and advise on grooming. Many barbers build long-term relationships with regular clients and become part of their neighborhood’s culture.

Barbers complete a state-approved barber program and pass a state licensing exam. Many work on commission or rent a chair, and some open their own shops.

Typical duties

  • Consult clients on cuts and styles
  • Cut hair with clippers and shears
  • Create fades, tapers and designs
  • Shave and shape beards
  • Sanitize tools and stations
  • Book appointments
  • Recommend grooming products

Work environment and schedule

Barbers work in barbershops and salons, standing for long hours.

Schedule: Barbers often work evenings and weekends, with flexible schedules for chair renters.

A day in the life

  1. Open the shop and sanitize stations.
  2. Give a skin fade to a regular client.
  3. Do a straight razor shave with hot towels.
  4. Cut a child’s first haircut.

See a full day in the life of a barber →

Barber salary

Half of barbers earned more than $38,210 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $28,600 for the lowest 10% to $76,460 for the top 10%.

Full barber pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a barber

  1. Enroll in barber school
  2. Complete hours
  3. Pass the licensing exam
  4. Work in a shop
  5. Grow

Barbers complete a state-approved barber program, often around 1,000 to 1,500 hours depending on the state, then pass a licensing exam.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a barber →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Clipper cutting and fades
  • Shear work
  • Straight razor shaving
  • Beard design
  • Sanitation

People skills

  • Conversation
  • Precision
  • Reliability
  • Business sense

All barber skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Creative craft
  • Community relationships
  • Flexible schedules
  • Shop ownership potential

Cons

  • Income depends on clients
  • Standing all day
  • Weekend work
  • Building a client base takes time

Certifications and licenses

  • State barber license: Required in every state.
  • Master barber license: An advanced license in some states.
  • Barber instructor license: For teaching in barber schools.
  • Brand education: Product and technique training.

Career path

  1. Barber Apprentice: Learn skills.
  2. Licensed Barber: Serve clients.
  3. Master Barber or Educator: Specialize and teach.
  4. Shop Owner: Run a barbershop.

Learn the job before day one

Our Barber training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as cut a skin fade and give a straight razor shave, safety and how to land your first job.

View Barber trainingIs this career right for me?

Cosmetologist

Cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best.

  • $35,790
  • 9–18 months

Salon Manager

Run salons and spas: staff, schedules, sales and client experience.

  • $48,590
  • 2–5 years of salon experience

Esthetician

Care for clients’ skin with facials, treatments and expert advice.

  • $45,330
  • 4–9 months

Tailor

Alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.

  • $41,640
  • 6 months–2 years

Compare: Barber vs. Cosmetologist · Barber vs. Salon Manager · Barber vs. Esthetician · Barber vs. Tailor

Barber FAQ

How long is barber school?

Often 9 to 15 months.

Is a barber license different from cosmetology?

Yes, though some states let cosmetologists do some barbering.

Can barbers own shops?

Yes, many do.

How much does a barber make?

The median annual wage for barbers was $38,210 ($18.37 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $28,600 and the highest 10% earned more than $76,460.

How long does it take to become a barber?

Most people need about 9–15 months of training. Barbers complete a state-approved barber program, often around 1,000 to 1,500 hours depending on the state, then pass a licensing exam.

Do you need a degree to be a barber?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

More barber questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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