Shigoto Zukan
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How to become barberseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Beauty & Personal Care Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$38,210
25th–75th pct. $31,570–$58,960
Top pay (est.)
$99,400
Top 10% $76,460
Pay in 5 years
$44,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$52,600est.
$45,200–$61,000
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
13%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.3%
6,900 openings / yr

How to become barbers

Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Barbers

Key skills

Service Orientation
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Speaking
2.9
Monitoring
2.9
Critical Thinking
2.8
Time Management
2.6
Active Learning
2.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.7
Education and Training
4.5
Sales and Marketing
4.2
English Language
3.9
Administration and Management
3.8
Chemistry
3.7
Public Safety and Security
3.7
Law and Government
3.3

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkAssisting and Caring for OthersThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsSelling or Influencing Others

Important abilities

Arm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionManual DexterityOral ComprehensionVisualizationTrunk Strength

Training before entry

None / short demo
33%
1–2 years
27%
Up to 1 month
18%
6–12 months
9%
1–3 months
6%
3–6 months
6%

Related work experience

None
55%
1–2 years
27%
6–12 months
9%
1–3 months
6%
3–6 months
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as barbers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.