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Barbers
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
Other titles employers use
Barber · Barber Shop Operator · Barber Stylist · Stylist · Barber Apprentice · Master Barber
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
- Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
- 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.
- Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and helping work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
- Psychology
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 4.8 | Arm’s length or closer, most of the day |
| On your feet | 4.6 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.9 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a postsecondary certificate. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 46%
- A certificate or some college 40%
- A two-year degree 11%
- A four-year degree 2%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Operating system software
- Web page creation and editing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Data base user interface and query software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 7,860
- Job openings each year
- 890
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 18.7%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 7,860 | 890 | 18.7% |
| California | 7,400 | 800 | 5.7% |
| Florida | 6,910 | 770 | 15.6% |
| New Jersey | 5,600 | 620 | 13.8% |
| Washington | 5,330 | 640 | 11.0% |
| Georgia | 3,090 | 340 | 11.2% |
| Pennsylvania | 2,660 | 290 | 7.7% |
| Missouri | 2,510 | 270 | 5.9% |
| Louisiana | 2,120 | 230 | 8.7% |
| Virginia | 1,940 | 210 | 10.2% |
| North Carolina | 1,900 | 210 | 16.6% |
| Tennessee | 1,870 | 220 | 30.8% |
| Arizona | 1,450 | 160 | 12.4% |
| Connecticut | 1,390 | 160 | 16.8% |
| Utah | 1,250 | 150 | 31.6% |
| Indiana | 1,230 | 130 | 7.9% |
| Wisconsin | 1,190 | 130 | 17.8% |
| Kentucky | 1,180 | 130 | 6.3% |
| Alabama | 720 | 80 | 7.5% |
| Mississippi | 710 | 80 | 6.0% |
| Maryland | 580 | 60 | 11.5% |
| Iowa | 530 | 60 | 12.8% |
| Nebraska | 470 | 50 | 9.3% |
| Idaho | 390 | 40 | 25.8% |
| South Dakota | 210 | 20 | 10.5% |
| West Virginia | 210 | 20 | 16.7% |
| North Dakota | 200 | 20 | 5.3% |
| Ohio | 170 | 20 | −5.6% |
| Nevada | 140 | 20 | 40.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.