Occupation · SOC 39-5011
Barbers
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Median wage
$38,960
$27,770–$78,440
Projected growth
+4.2%
Average growth
Annual openings
310
per year
Employed (US)
18,100
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
109 mapped
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationJudgment and Decision MakingMonitoringCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionTime ManagementCoordinationActive LearningPersuasionComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisWritingTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment MaintenanceRepairingQuality Control AnalysisOperation and ControlMathematicsLearning StrategiesEquipment SelectionSystems AnalysisManagement of Financial ResourcesSystems EvaluationInstructingTechnology DesignScienceProgrammingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageEconomics and AccountingPsychologyMathematicsProduction and ProcessingSales and MarketingEducation and TrainingAdministrativePublic Safety and SecurityDesignChemistryCommunications and MediaLaw and GovernmentPersonnel and Human ResourcesComputers and ElectronicsMechanicalTransportationTelecommunicationsTherapy and CounselingForeign LanguageEngineering and TechnologyBiologyFood ProductionGeographyFine ArtsMedicine and DentistryPhysicsPhilosophy and TheologySociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyBuilding and Construction
Technology & tools
Appointment scheduling softwareCustomer information databasesFacebookLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordPoint of sale POS payment softwareYouTube
Representative tasks
Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicThinking CreativelyPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationScheduling Work and ActivitiesGetting InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersProcessing InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesSelling or Influencing OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesTraining and Teaching OthersCoaching and Developing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesStaffing Organizational UnitsDocumenting/Recording InformationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with Computers
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Scissors, combs, and clippers — clean and sterilize following established sanitation protocols in a supervised barbershop setting.Protective draping cloth — drape and pin securely around a customer's shoulders under direct supervisor guidance before each service.Basic clipper and scissor techniques — perform simple haircuts and trims according to client instructions under close supervision on the shop floor.Client consultation questions — ask and record desired service preferences and style choices using scripted prompts during intake.Work station and floor areas — clean and sweep consistently at the start and end of each shift following posted shop hygiene standards.Shaving lather and straight razor — apply lather and execute basic neck and temple contour shaves under direct instructor or senior barber oversight.Service tickets and point-of-sale software — record services rendered and process customer payments accurately using the shop's POS system.Beard and moustache outlines — trim and shape using scissors with guidance from a senior barber on willing volunteer or mannequin practice clients.Active listening skills — demonstrate attentive responses to client verbal cues and styling requests during introductory client interactions.Hand and finger steadiness — practice controlled cutting motions on training mannequins to build arm-hand steadiness before working on live clients.
developing
Sterilization equipment and sanitation logs — maintain instrument cleanliness and document compliance records routinely across a full day of barbershop appointments.Draping and client preparation workflow — execute protective cloth placement efficiently and independently for varied client postures and service types.Clippers, scissors, and blow dryers — deliver complete haircuts aligned with current hairstyle trends and client instructions with minimal oversight in a production barbershop.Client consultations — conduct open-ended conversations to identify style preferences, adapting recommendations to face shape and hair texture in familiar service scenarios.Shop cleanliness standards — manage workstation sanitation and floor sweeping between back-to-back appointments without prompting from management.Razor and lather application — perform full beard shaves and precise neckline shaping independently, adjusting pressure and angle for different skin types.Payment processing and service records — accurately log all services and handle cash, card, and digital payments using POS software during routine daily operations.Beard and moustache styling — shape and trim facial hair to client specifications consistently, selecting appropriate scissor or trimmer techniques for varying growth patterns.Social perceptiveness — read client mood and comfort cues during services, adjusting communication style to maintain a positive chair-side experience.Scheduling software — use calendar and appointment management tools to book, confirm, and adjust client appointments within established shop protocols.
proficient
Full instrument sanitation program — enforce and troubleshoot sterilization procedures autonomously, resolving equipment or chemical issues without supervisor intervention in a high-volume shop.Advanced cutting and styling techniques — execute complex fades, tapers, and textured cuts across diverse hair types without oversight, adapting to non-routine client requests.Client style consultations — independently assess hair condition, facial structure, and lifestyle factors to recommend and deliver personalized haircut and grooming plans.Straight razor shaving and beard sculpting — perform precise full-face shaves, beard designs, and moustache shaping for demanding clientele, managing sensitive skin complications confidently.Customer service recovery — identify and resolve service dissatisfaction in real time, applying judgment and empathy to retain client trust and loyalty.Workstation efficiency systems — design and maintain a personal workflow that maximizes client throughput while upholding sanitation and quality standards across a full appointment book.Financial transaction management — oversee accurate service ticketing, gratuity recording, and end-of-day reconciliation using POS and spreadsheet software without supervisory review.Irregular and specialty requests — adapt techniques for beard restoration, scalp treatments, and unconventional style requests that fall outside standard service menus.Shop health and safety compliance — proactively identify sanitation or safety gaps and implement corrective actions aligned with state cosmetology board regulations.Verbal communication and client education — clearly explain maintenance routines, product use, and style-care techniques to clients during and after services, using precise and accessible language.
advanced
Shop sanitation and safety standards — establish, document, and audit barbershop-wide sanitation protocols, ensuring regulatory compliance across all staff and service areas.Staff cutting and styling development — mentor junior and mid-level barbers on technique refinement, providing structured feedback during live client services and training sessions.Service menu and pricing strategy — design and update the shop's service offerings and pricing structure based on market trends, client demand analysis, and competitive benchmarking.Client experience culture — set the standard for consultation quality and service orientation across the team, modeling active listening and social perceptiveness in every client interaction.Business performance oversight — analyze revenue data, appointment utilization, and client retention metrics using spreadsheet and POS software to guide operational decisions.Team scheduling and workflow optimization — manage staff scheduling software to align barber availability with peak demand periods, minimizing downtime and maximizing client satisfaction.Brand and online presence — direct the development and maintenance of the shop's web presence and social media content, leveraging web creation and video editing tools to attract new clientele.Professional development program — design and lead ongoing skill-building workshops for staff, covering advanced razor techniques, beard artistry, and evolving hairstyle trends.Community and industry engagement — represent the barbershop at trade events, competitions, and vocational school partnerships, elevating the shop's professional reputation regionally.Organizational vision and culture — define the shop's values around dependability, cooperation, and excellence, embedding these work styles into hiring practices, onboarding, and daily team culture.
Also known as
8 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
BarberBarber Shop OperatorBarber StylistHair CutterHairstylistLicensed BarberStylistTonsorial Artist