Can you live off just being a barber?

Author: Victoria Beer Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Once you establish yourself and build a solid clientele, you may be able to earn six figures as a barber. Your success, though, will likely depend on how in demand you are, how willing you are to travel or work long hours, the clientele you cater to, and if you own your own shop.

Can you live off of being a barber?

Barbering can provide a comfortable lifestyle. You can work when you want, you can take off when you want. You can build a work-life that allows you to maximize time with family, hobbies, etc. Yeah, you have to handle your own taxes and health insurance but you can be happy and that's priceless.

What is the life expectancy of a barber?

Hairdresser's life

Barbers are ordinary people, with an average life expectancy of 80 years. Barber refers to the experience of learning skills from a teacher, following the master to study hard to be recognized by the master, starting a teacher.

Do barbers make a living?

Barbers: The average salary for barbers in the US can range from around $30000 to $50000 per year, with some experienced barbers in high-demand areas making significantly more, especially if they work in upscale salons or have a strong client base.

Why do people quit barbering?

Job Satisfaction: If a stylist or barber feels unfulfilled or dissatisfied with their work, whether due to creative limitations or lack of client engagement, they may consider leaving the profession. Income Instability: Many hairstylists and barbers work on commission or rely on tips.

Are you considering being a Barber?

Is barbering a stable career?

In a rapidly changing world where industries rise and fall, barbering and cosmetology remain among the most stable and rewarding career paths. While automation and technology disrupt many professions, the personal touch of grooming, hairstyling, and beauty services can't be replaced by machines.

Can barbers make 100k a year?

What is your time worth? Think about it less as charging per haircut and more charging for your time and specialties. To reach $100k working a standard 40-hour work week, you will need to be making $50 per hour. If you are charging $25 per haircut, that means you need to be doing two haircuts every hour.

Can you live off a barber's salary?

For individuals who care about personal grooming and are looking for a workplace with a strong social side, working behind the chair of a barber shop business can be a rewarding way to make a living. In 2021, the average barber salary is $35,700 per year.

How stressful is being a barber?

Meeting client expectations can be mentally and physically draining, especially when faced with demanding or difficult customers. This constant pressure can make it challenging to disconnect from work once they leave the shop.

Can you make 6 figures as a barber?

The list goes on, but believe us when we say it is very achievable for a barber or stylist to earn a 6-figure income. First let's talk about some basics—yes, the basics of things we do every single day. If you aren't doing them with every single person, it may impact your financial freedom.

Is it worth it to be a barber?

If you're looking for a career to suit your life — why not become a barber? Barbers make good money, often get to run their own shops, and learn specialized skills that cannot be replaced.

What are the disadvantages of being a barber?

Disadvantages of Being a Barber
  • Hard Work on Quite Less Pay.
  • No passion and progress.
  • High Maintenance Clients.
  • Keeping up with modern trends.
  • Building up the client list.
  • Must be quick on their feet.
  • No room for error.

Is being a barber hard on your body?

Barbering is a physically demanding profession. Standing for long hours, repetitive motion, and using scissors and clippers can take a toll on your body over time. It's important to take care of your physical health by practicing ergonomic techniques, stretching regularly, and maintaining good posture.

Do barbers pay income tax?

If you're a self-employed salon owner or independent contractor, you probably should make estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES to cover your income and self-employment taxes. Hair salons and barbershops have a long list of deductions that they may qualify for to help lower their federal income tax burden.

Where do barbers make the most money?

Highest paying cities for Barbers near United States
  • Boston, MA. $48.60 per hour. 3 salaries reported.
  • Vancouver, WA. $36.97 per hour. 12 salaries reported.
  • Aurora, CO. $36.32 per hour. 15 salaries reported.
  • Chicago, IL. $34.65 per hour. 48 salaries reported.
  • Phoenix, AZ. $31.99 per hour. 60 salaries reported.
  • Show more nearby cities.

Can barbers make a good living?

After all, people will always need haircuts, and there's a lot of money to be made in this industry. However, it's also important to keep in mind that competition is fierce, and it can be very challenging to make a good living as a barber without putting the effort in.

How to stay healthy as a barber?

Self-Care as a Barber
  1. Meditate. Meditation is a hugely helpful form of self-care that can work wonders for you. ...
  2. Exercise. Exercise is a fantastic form of self-care, and it comes in ALL types of varieties. ...
  3. Know When to Take Vacation. Know when it's time to take a break and take vacation. ...
  4. Set Limits.

Can you make 100k a year as a barber?

But barber salaries can range from about $17,500 to more than $86,000.

How long do barbers live?

The average life expectancy of a barber is 80 years.

Is barbering hard to learn?

The challenge is often in mastering the technical skills required for precise and stylish haircuts. This calls for practice, patience, and a genuine passion for the craft. As with any skill, repetition and perseverance are needed to become proficient.

Is owning a barbershop worth it?

Running a barbershop can be a profitable venture, no doubt. It's all about the hustle. You've got to offer top-notch services, manage costs effectively, and market your business well. The revenue comes not just from haircuts and shaves but also from selling grooming products.

Is barber in high demand?

Job Outlook

Overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 89,100 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Previous article
Is it good to rub a pulled muscle?
Next article
Why are my dark spots not going?