Barbers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair, mostly for male clients. They also may fit hairpieces, perform facials, and offer facial shaving. Depending on the state in which they work, some barbers are licensed to color, bleach, and highlight hair and to offer permanent-wave services. Common tools include combs, scissors, straight razors, and clippers.
- Education Required
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required for some positions. In addition, every state requires that barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists complete a program in a state-licensed barber or cosmetology school. These programs are mainly found in postsecondary vocational schools and typically lead to a postsecondary nondegree award or certificate. Most of these workers take advanced courses in hairstyling or in other personal appearance services to keep up with the latest trends. Those who want to open their own business also may take courses in sales and marketing.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 10% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists must obtain a license in order to work. Qualifications for a license vary by state, but generally, a person must fulfill the following criteria:
- Median pay: How much do Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make?
- $24,300 Annual Salary
- $11.68 per hour
Careers for Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
- Barbers apprentices
- Beauticians
- Beauty care specialists
- Colorists
- Cosmetologists
- Funeral home makeup artists
- Hair and makeup designers
- Hair colorists
- Hair designers
- Hairdressers
- Hairpiece stylists
- Hairstylists
- Master barbers
- Wedding makeup artists
- Wig stylists