Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
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.
Top skills:Active ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoring
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Barber pay by experience level
Entry level$29,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$32,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$39,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$61,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$79,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+4.1%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
8,400
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Barber salary by industry
Personal and Laundry Services
14,740 workers
$48,500
Personal Care Services
14,670 workers
$48,500
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
80 workers
$63,000
State Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
50 workers
$64,000
Hospitals
40 workers
$42,500
Hospitals, State Government Owned
40 workers
$42,500
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
40 workers
$42,500
Other Personal Services$67,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Barber pays 2% above the average across 33 roles in the Personal Care and Service job family (family average $47,500).
