Barber
Also known as: haircutter
About this occupation
Barbers cut, trim, taper and style men's hair. They also remove facial hair by shaving the specific area. Barbers use tools such as scissors, clippers, razors and combs. They may offer additional services like shampooing, styling, coloring and performing scalp massages.
A specialisation of hairdresser.
Essential skills and knowledge
- use equipment for hair care
- process payments
- maintain equipment
- advise on hair style
- hair products
- treat facial hair
- work ergonomically
- hair
- work safely with chemicals
- maintain customer service
- style hair
- barbering techniques
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Barbers (O*NET 39-5011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
- Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
- Clean work stations and sweep floors.
- Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
- Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension
US median pay: US$38,210 a year (2025), 15,000 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.6)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.1)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
- Skincare Specialists
- Shampooers
- Manicurists and Pedicurists
- Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
- Sewers, Hand
- Spa Managers
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.