Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Barbers
SOC: 39-5011 O*NET: 39-5011.00
Median Salary
$38,960
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
8.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
What does a Barbers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$27,770
10th percentile
Early Career
$32,050
25th percentile
Median
$38,960
50th percentile
Experienced
$59,180
75th percentile
Top Earners
$78,440
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$27,770
25th
$32,050
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$38,960
Mean: $47,800
75th
$59,180
90th
$78,440
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $50,670 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $32,050 and $59,180
- •Salary spread is 69.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 18,100 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:76,000
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)97.6%
Personal and Laundry Services97.6%
Personal Care Services95.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.1%
Annual Openings:8,400
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)76,000
Current
2034 (Projected)79,200
+4.1%
+3,100
Employment Change
+4.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Barbers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 36 locations
Texas
3,920 jobs$36,4002.41x
Florida
1,730 jobs$46,9001.50x
California
1,630 jobs$36,5900.77x
New Jersey
1,150 jobs$49,3602.31x
Pennsylvania
920 jobs$42,5701.30x
Georgia
650 jobs$47,6301.14x
Colorado
630 jobs$56,6901.85x
South Carolina
490 jobs$37,3001.83x
Missouri
470 jobs$44,3901.37x
Washington
360 jobs$70,7500.86x
Wisconsin
350 jobs$34,3601.02x
Illinois
290 jobs$36,3000.41x
Utah
290 jobs$25,2901.46x
Tennessee
280 jobs$31,2300.73x
Indiana
270 jobs$43,5900.73x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Arm-Hand Steadiness
100%
#4
Oral Comprehension
92%
#5
Social Perceptiveness
86%
#6
Administration and Management
86%
#7
Near Vision
82%
#8
Finger Dexterity
74%
#9
Speaking
70%
#10
English Language
70%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate4.3
86%
Administration and Management
intermediate4.3
86%
Near Vision
intermediate4.1
82%
Finger Dexterity
intermediate3.7
74%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Arm-Hand Steadiness
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Finger Dexterity
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance70%
knowledge
3.5/5.0
Manual Dexterity
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Oral Expression
basicImportance58%
abilities
2.9/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Amusement and Recreation Attendants80%
4 shared skills
Cashiers80%
4 shared skills
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop80%
4 shared skills
Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants80%
4 shared skills
Manicurists and Pedicurists80%
4 shared skills
Orderlies80%
4 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Administration and Management
Learn on the Job:
- →Service Orientation
- →Economics and Accounting
- →Manual Dexterity
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Administration and Management
- ✓Arm-Hand Steadiness
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Arm-Hand Steadiness
- ★Oral Comprehension
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Barbers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechLinux
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Linux
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Facebook
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
18
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)Training & Development (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)
1
Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development97% perform98%
3
Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Clean work stations and sweep floors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Order supplies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Suggest treatments to alleviate hair problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •39% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Barbers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Barbers professionals typically have a RCE Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
EEnterprising
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Barbers
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.41
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.40
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.38
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.18
Concern for Others
Very ImportantConcern for Others
Importance Level4.16
Social Orientation
Very ImportantSocial Orientation
Importance Level4.12
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Self-Control
4.4
Cooperation
4.4
Dependability
4.2
Concern for Others
4.2
Social Orientation
4.1
Integrity
4.1
Initiative
3.9
Independence
3.9
Stress Tolerance
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Barbers.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Barbers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder
Boulder, CO
3.5k program completions/year
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington
Covington, LA
1.9k program completions/year
Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett
Everett, WA
994 program completions/year
Douglas J Aveda Institute
East Lansing, MI
832 program completions/year
Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics, Skin Care & Makeup
New York, NY
786 program completions/year
Aveda Institute-South Florida
Davie, FL
746 program completions/year
Crescent City Bartending School
New Orleans, LA
590 program completions/year
Celebrity School of Beauty
Miami, FL
582 program completions/year
Institute of Culinary Education
New York, NY
582 program completions/year
Institute of Culinary Education
New York, NY
582 program completions/year
Aveda Institute-Tallahassee
Clearwater, FL
557 program completions/year
Asian-American International Beauty College
Westminster, CA
548 program completions/year