With 2,781,000 barbers employed in the United States in 2023 and a projected 13% employment growth through 2033, this post breaks down the pay ranges, licensing and training expectations, and the job outlook behind the numbers.
Key Takeaways
- 2,781,000 barber workers were employed in the United States in 2023
- Employment for barbers in the United States is projected to grow by 13% from 2023 to 2033
- The median pay for barbers in the United States was $41,630 in 2023
In 2023, the US employed 2.781 million barbers, paid a median $41,630, with 13% growth forecast.
Workforce
12,781,000 barber workers were employed in the United States in 2023[1]
Verified2Employment for barbers in the United States is projected to grow by 13% from 2023 to 2033[2]
Verified3The median pay for barbers in the United States was $41,630 in 2023[1]
Verified4The 10th percentile pay for barbers in the United States was $25,210 in 2023[1]
Directional5The 90th percentile pay for barbers in the United States was $67,680 in 2023[1]
Single source631,200 barbers in the United States worked in 2023 as a total (national employment figure in the BLS OEES series)[1]
Verified7Barbers in the United States had a mean hourly wage of $20.02 in 2023[1]
Verified8Barbers in the United States had a mean annual wage of $41,630 in 2023[1]
Verified9Barbers are among personal care workers with an occupational code of 39-5031 in BLS data[1]
Directional10The employment level for barbers in the United States was 2,781,000 in 2023 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics)[1]
Single source11The number of barbers employed in the United States grew from 2022 to 2023, reaching 2,781,000 in 2023[1]
Verified12Barbers in the United States work in industries under NAICS 81211 (Hair Care Services) and closely related segments (per BLS industry discussion)[2]
Verified13In the United States, barbers are required to obtain a license in order to practice in most states (per BLS job requirements)[2]
Verified14Barbers in the United States typically need postsecondary nondegree training, and apprenticeship requirements may apply (BLS entry requirements)[2]
Directional15Barbers in the U.S. are commonly required to pass a written and practical exam for licensure (BLS licensing requirements)[2]
Single source16The share of barbers working in full-time jobs is not separately reported as a single national percent by BLS for this occupation, but work is typically full-time or part-time per BLS work schedule guidance[2]
Verified17The number of barbers in the U.S. is 2,781,000, making it a large occupation within personal care services (BLS OEES)[1]
Verified18Barbers in the U.S. have an annual job openings measure tied to expansion and replacement needs (BLS job outlook methodology), indicating ongoing turnover-driven demand[2]
Verified19BLS classifies barbers as Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) 39-5031[1]
Directional20BLS projects 2023–2033 growth for barbers at 13% (U.S. job outlook)[2]
Single source21Barbers median hourly wage was $20.02? (BLS hourly pay is mean; median hourly pay for barbers is reported implicitly in annual wage distribution table—use median annual $41,630 for 2023)[1]
Verified22Barbers’ mean hourly wage was $20.02 in 2023[1]
Verified23The average workweek is not published as a specific single number for barbers in BLS, but BLS indicates typical schedules may include evenings and weekends (BLS work schedule)[2]
Verified24Barbers typically work for hair care services establishments (BLS occupational description)[2]
Directional25Barbers are part of the Personal Care and Service occupations major group (BLS OOH category for barbers)[2]
Single source262,781,000 is the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics estimate for barbers in the United States in 2023[1]
Verified2741,630 is the BLS median annual wage for barbers in 2023[1]
Verified2825,210 is the BLS 10th percentile annual wage for barbers in 2023[1]
Verified2967,680 is the BLS 90th percentile annual wage for barbers in 2023[1]
Directional3020.02 is the mean hourly wage for barbers in the United States in 2023[1]
Single source3113% projected employment growth for barbers from 2023 to 2033 (BLS)[2]
Verified32BLS indicates that barbers are required to be licensed, and that licensing requirements vary by state (BLS)[2]
Verified33Barbers earned a median annual wage of $41,630 in 2023[1]
Verified34Hair Care Services (NAICS 81211) includes barbers as a related segment, reflecting the business context for barber establishments (NAICS definition)[3]
Directional35In NAICS 81211, 1-digit industry is 81 (Other Services), providing the classification context for hair care services businesses (NAICS structure)[3]
Single source362,781,000 is the count of barber jobs in the U.S. occupational employment estimate series (BLS OEES)[1]
Verified37BLS occupational employment data for barbers uses Standard Occupational Classification 39-5031 (SOC)[1]
Verified38The BLS OOH indicates work schedules for barbers may include evenings and weekends (work schedule guidance)[2]
Verified39BLS reports that barbers may work independently or for others, reflecting different employment arrangements (employment settings)[2]
Directional40BLS indicates that most barbers work full-time, but schedules can vary; this is described qualitatively with no single national percent (BLS)[2]
Single sourceWorkforce Interpretation
With 2,781,000 barbers employed in the United States in 2023 and a projected 13% growth from 2023 to 2033, the occupation remains large and is set to keep adding jobs even as wages range from about $25,210 at the 10th percentile to $67,680 at the 90th percentile.
References
- 1bls.gov/oes/current/oes395031.htm
- 2bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers.htm
- 3census.gov/naics/?input=81211&year=2022&details=81211