Also known as: Barber, Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Cutter
You push open the door of "The Sharp Fade," the familiar scent of aftershave and hair tonic greeting you. It's 8:30 AM in downtown Nashville. First, you flip on the lights, turn on the music, and power up the POS system. You wipe down your antique barber chair and arrange your tools: electric clippers, sharp shears, various combs, a feather duster, and the straight razor. Checking the digital booking software on your tablet, you see a full slate of appointments already lined up for the morning.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+3.3%
US average: +3.5%
6,900
per year (US)
75,800
in 2025 → 78,300 (2035)
Postsecondary nondegree award
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The job outlook for barbers is stable, with about 6,900 job openings projected each year through 2035. The field is expected to see slight growth over the next decade. Barbers earn a median annual wage of $38,210.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$38,210
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Barbering/Barber
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation
Bachelor • Business & Economics • 4 years
Executive Assistant
Vocational • Business & Economics • 1 year
Cooking
Vocational • Creative Arts • 2 years
Healthcare Assistance
Vocational • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 1 year