Career comparison
Barber vs. Cosmetologist
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Barbers earn more at the median ($38,210 vs. $35,790), while barbers usually get to work faster (9–15 months of training). Barbers cut hair, shape beards and keep clients sharp. Cosmetologists cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Barber | Cosmetologist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $38,210 ($18.37/hr) | $35,790 ($17.21/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $28,600 – $76,460 | $27,040 – $71,190 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.3% (about as fast as average) | +7.7% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 6,900 | 73,400 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 9–15 months | 9–18 months |
| Key credential | State barber license | State cosmetology license |
| Work setting | Barbers work in barbershops and salons, standing for long hours.. | Cosmetologists work in salons, spas, barbershops and resorts, standing for long periods and working with chemicals.. |
What each job does
Barber
- 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
Cosmetologist
- Consult with clients on styles and services
- Cut, color and style hair
- Perform chemical services such as perms and relaxers
- Recommend and sell hair care products
- Sanitize tools and stations
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, creative work, working with people, and indoor work. Both are part of the beauty, fitness & personal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose barber if…
- I love precise, detailed work
- I like talking with people
- I’m creative
Choose cosmetologist if…
- I love hair and fashion
- I enjoy talking with people
- I’m creative
Still torn? Take the Barber fit quiz and the Cosmetologist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, barber or cosmetologist?
Barbers earn more at the median: $38,210 versus $35,790 for cosmetologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Barbers typically train faster (9–15 months) than cosmetologists (9–18 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects cosmetologists to grow +7.7% from 2025–35, compared with +3.3% for barbers.