Personal Care & Service
Barbers
Also called: Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Stylist, Stylist
US median pay
$38,210
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
6,900
75,800 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
What they do day to day
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- 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.
- Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
- Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
- Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
- Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
- Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.
- Keep card files on clientele, recording notes of work done, products used and fees charged after each visit.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Time Management2.6/5
- Coordination2.6/5
- Persuasion2.4/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.2/5
- Management of Personnel Resources2.1/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Sales and Marketing3.5/5
- Education and Training3.5/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Law and Government3.1/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.