Barbers
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair, and trim beards or give shaves. They work in barbershops, salons, or other facilities, serving clients on a walk-in or appointment basis. The work requires precision, attention to detail, and direct interaction with customers.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against barbers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves greeting clients, consulting about desired haircuts or styles, and performing cutting and trimming with clippers, scissors, and razors. Barbers shampoo hair, apply products, and finish styles. They maintain tools and workstations, manage appointments or walk-in flow, and may handle payments. Work hours often include evenings and Saturdays to accommodate client schedules.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this role if you're practical and detail-oriented, preferring hands-on work with clear, concrete results. You're comfortable with routine procedures and systematic processes, and you enjoy direct customer interaction and building regular client relationships.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- Laborer - Barber's Point Golf Course · Commander, Navy Installations Command · Honolulu, Hawaii · $25.26–$29.47
- Training Instructor (Vocational Training Instructor - Barber) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Atlanta, Georgia · $67447–$87033
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $64,310 | $77,430 | $103,800 | — |
| Illinois | $34,430 | $65,430 | $71,930 | — |
| Colorado | $33,690 | $61,500 | $78,510 | 480 |
| Washington | $59,910 | $61,150 | $75,160 | 1,220 |
| Iowa | $31,960 | $58,900 | $60,660 | 130 |
| New Jersey | $32,220 | $54,850 | $63,170 | — |
| Minnesota | $39,000 | $53,990 | $59,170 | 260 |
| Florida | $34,780 | $49,410 | $59,240 | 1,240 |
| North Dakota | $38,880 | $48,540 | $58,210 | 80 |
| Missouri | $38,840 | $47,880 | $76,460 | 580 |
| Virginia | $44,120 | $46,730 | $57,620 | 160 |
| Louisiana | $30,380 | $44,430 | $56,110 | 40 |
All 36 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against barbers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-5011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.