Career comparison
Barber vs. Tailor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Tailors earn more at the median ($41,640 vs. $38,210), while barbers usually get to work faster (9–15 months of training). Barbers cut hair, shape beards and keep clients sharp. Tailors alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Barber | Tailor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $38,210 ($18.37/hr) | $41,640 ($20.02/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $28,600 – $76,460 | $29,920 – $63,670 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.3% (about as fast as average) | -8.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 6,900 | 3,700 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 9–15 months | 6 months–2 years |
| Key credential | State barber license | Sewing and tailoring courses |
| Work setting | Barbers work in barbershops and salons, standing for long hours.. | Tailors work in shops, studios and stores, seated at sewing machines and standing for fittings.. |
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
Tailor
- Measure and fit clients
- Alter garments for fit
- Hem pants, skirts and sleeves
- Replace zippers and buttons
- Repair damaged clothing
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 tailor if…
- I love sewing
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like helping customers look good
Still torn? Take the Barber fit quiz and the Tailor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, barber or tailor?
Tailors earn more at the median: $41,640 versus $38,210 for barbers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Barbers typically train faster (9–15 months) than tailors (6 months–2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects barbers to grow +3.3% from 2025–35, compared with -8.8% for tailors.