Pay About this section The median hourly wage for barbers was $17.38 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12.87, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $29.37.
Median hourly wages for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, including tips and commission, are $11.21. The middle 50 percent earn between $8.79 and $15.12. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $7.68, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $20.79.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $44.55 and as low as $9.07, the majority of Professional Barber salaries currently range between $18.41 (25th percentile) to $32.88 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making annually in Los Angeles.
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. Keep track of your time. Use tools like your phone to time yourself on each haircut.
Barber Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
Earning a commission: Barbers who work on commission are paid a percentage of what they earn (typically between 40% to 70%).
In 2021, the average barber salary is $35,700 per year. That said, we've all seen barbers on social media bragging about six-figure salaries. Below, we'll break down some of the most common factors that determine a barber's income and chat strategies to surge your paycheck as a professional barber.
With a haircut, you can't go wrong with the standard 15% - 20%. For example, if your haircut comes out to $40 and you're happy with the results, a 20% tip ($8) is a great way to say, "thank you". If your cut was a bit more complex, tipping 25% of service fee ($10) is even better.
While barbering can be a rewarding career, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. Long hours of standing, high levels of concentration, and dealing with difficult customers can lead to stress and burnout. Some barbers may quit due to these challenges, or because they want to pursue different career paths.
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.
With that said, the best barbers can earn 6-figure incomes. There are many barbers who work part-time or only charge $10 per haircut because they live in low-cost areas.
Topping the list is Washington, with District of Columbia and New York close behind in second and third. New York beats the national average by 9.4%, and Washington furthers that trend with another $6,911 (13.3%) above the $52,123.
Pay. The median hourly wage for barbers was $17.38 in May 2023. The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $16.81 in May 2023.
I'm a Cosmetology Instructor, I've had students that ranged in age from 17 to 58. Age is irrelevant, the students that achieve success are always the ones with passion for their craft. For some, it's a long awaited dream and for others it's a solution to a path in life.
With personal grooming becoming a bigger priority and the rise of social media influencing style trends, experts say the demand for skilled barbers will continue to rise. Many trade schools and programs offer training. If you're looking for a career change, picking up the clippers might be your next move.
Barbers are expected to provide excellent customer service and maintain a high level of quality in their work. Meeting client expectations can be mentally and physically draining, especially when faced with demanding or difficult customers.
Salary by Industry
Of all industries in 2021, personal care services employed the greatest number of barbers. According to the BLS, barbers in the personal care services industry had a mean yearly income of $35,670. The state government was also included in the top 3 with an average yearly salary of $49,880.
Hairdressers are well-versed in colors, cuts, wash and blow drying but the barber is specially trained in added elements such as beard grooming and trims, ear flaming, timeless wet shaving, and hands on friction massages and hot towels to truly amp up the experience.
First off… most shops are run by private owners, and the Sunday-Monday off days give them a true weekend since closing Saturday would be a bad business move. A second reason for this is that some cities had a form of union for barbers that lasted through the mid-20th century.
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.
Low Overhead and Flexibility
The barbering industry is also recession-proof because it operates with relatively low overhead costs compared to other businesses.
So whether you get a basic trim, a blowout, or a major color change (like the super-trendy blue hair you've been saving on IG), 20 percent is a rule of thumb. Here's a simple guide if quick math also isn't your strong suit: $25 service = $5 tip. $50 service = $10 tip.
Tip Even Before Tipping
You might question yourself, “Is it rude not to tip your barber?” Well, yes that will be rude on your part and will show your ungratefulness. Therefore, it's always best to tip, be it monetary or non-monetary. The method and the quantity are solely at the customer's discretion.
Inflation has driven up the cost of essentials such as rent, utilities, and the professional-grade haircare products used in salons. Global supply chain disruptions have also led to shortages of key ingredients in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products, forcing manufacturers to raise their prices.