Barbers

Career Overview

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

Also Known As

• Barber
• Barber Shop Operator
• Barber Stylist
• Stylist

Alternate Job Titles

• Barber
• Barber Shop Operator
• Barber Stylist
• Hair Cutter
• Hairstylist
• Licensed Barber
• Stylist
• Tonsorial Artist

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
• Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Customer and Personal Service

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Oral Comprehension
• Near Vision
• Finger Dexterity
• Manual Dexterity
• Oral Expression
• Speech Recognition
• Selective Attention
• Speech Clarity
• Visualization

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Social Orientation
• Dependability
• Cooperation
• Attention to Detail
• Optimism

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Relationships
• Achievement
• Working Conditions
• Independence
• Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)

On-the-Job Training: None or short demonstration

Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience Required: 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.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Facebook
• Linux
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Windows
• Microsoft Word

Tools & Equipment

• Adjustable barber chairs
• Barber scissors
• Curling irons
• Desktop computers
• Electric shavers
• Facial hair trimmers
• Hair styling combs
• Handheld blow dryers
• Handheld electric hair clippers
• Hot air brushes
• Laptop computers
• Latherizing machines
• Pointed tweezers
• Protective capes
• Rat tail combs

Work Environment

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
• Contact With Others
• Physical Proximity
• Freedom to Make Decisions
• Spend Time Standing

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$27,770
Median	$38,960
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$78,440

Workers Employed Nationally: 18,100

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.