How to become a Barber

Official title: Barbers

Also called: Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Stylist, Stylist

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

Main tasks

• 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.

How to become one

All states require barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates typically must graduate from a state-approved barber or cosmetology program and pass an exam.

Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Barber.
• Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Barbering/Barber; Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design; Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
• Licence: A licence is required in 47 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $38,210 a year The middle half earn $31,570 to $58,960.
• About 75,800 people work in this job now, and about 78,300 are projected by 2035. (+3.3%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• Manicurists and Pedicurists
• Shampooers
• Skincare Specialists

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Barber?

All states require barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to be licensed. To qualify for a license, candidates typically must graduate from a state-approved barber or cosmetology program and pass an exam.

How much does a Barber earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $38,210 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $31,570 to $58,960.

Is a Barber a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 75,800 to about 78,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Barber?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award; Barber.

Will AI change the work of a Barber?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.