Barbers

Career summary

#4/3/19 lh

Barbers cut peoples' hair. They greet customers when they enter the shop and talk to them about the style of haircut they want.

Barbers drape a protective cloth around the customer's shoulders to catch cut hair. They may wash customers' hair and check the condition of their hair and scalp. They cut customers' hair and also may trim customers’ mustaches and beards. When shaving customers, barbers apply shaving cream and use a razor to remove the hair.

Occasionally barbers dye customers' hair or give them face, neck, or scalp massages. They may also sell lotions, shampoos, and other hair products. They calculate the charges and receive payments.

Barbers use a variety of tools while working on customers' hair, including:

• Combs
• Hairdryers
• Razors
• Scissors

Barbers must keep their work area clean. After each customer, they shake out the protective cloth and sweep the floor around the chair. They also sanitize the combs.

Barbers who own or manage a shop have additional duties. They:

• Hire employees
• Keep records
• Order supplies
• Pay bills

Related careers

This career is part of the Human Services cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Hairstylists and Cosmetologists
• Manicurists
• Professional Makeup Artists
• Skin Care Specialists
• Tailors

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to barbers.

• Greet customers as they enter the shop.
• Discuss services and style of haircut desired with customers.
• Drape and pin protective cloth around customers' shoulders.
• Check condition of hair and scalp.
• Cut, shape, trim, and taper hair, using clippers, comb, scissors, and hairdryer.
• Apply shaving cream to shave beards and mustaches using a razor.
• Perform other services, such as dyeing hair or massaging face, neck, or scalp.
• Sell lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies.
• Receive payment for services and products.
• Clean and sterilize work area and tools.
• Order supplies, schedule work, and keep business records.
• Stay informed on the latest styles and techniques.

Common work activities

Barbers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform for or work with the public
• Think creatively
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Assist and care for others
• Handle and move objects
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Evaluate information against standards
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Get information needed to do the job

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, barbers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They greet customers and talk with them as they work.
• Interact with customers by telephone and in-person on a daily basis.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work very near clients, within inches.

Work performance

• Must be sure all details of the job are done accurately and to the customer's satisfaction.
• Make nearly all their decisions and set all their daily tasks and goals without consulting anyone first. Barbers work very independently.
• Compete with other barbers for business.
• Repeat the same tasks on a daily basis.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time.
• May work more than 40 hours a week if self-employed.
• May work evenings or weekends.
• May travel to nursing homes or hospitals to cut hair.

Physical demands

Barbers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for barbers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for barbers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Barbers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Work with people

• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Barbering

Other programs of study to consider

• Cosmetology and Hair Design
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a barber, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a barbering program;
• be at least 16 years old; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Barbers learn their skills by completing course work in barbering or cosmetology. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. Barbering programs include classroom and hands-on training. In the classroom you learn to shampoo, cut, and shave hair. You also learn how to sterilize equipment and recognize skin problems. At first you practice on other students in your training program. Later you work with customers in a salon that offers discounted services for work done by trainees.

It generally takes nine to 18 months to complete a training program.

On-the-job training

The length of on-the-job training varies by employer. Some do not offer any training for new barbers. Others offer up to one year of additional training.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#DOL cosmetology apprenticeship program appears to be gone; now just see reference to the State Apprenticeship and Training Council so put in above text/tag, 3/1/16, cj. Apprenticeship info ok, 2/7/18 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Cosmetology
• Principles of Advertising
• Principles of Sales
• Safety and First Aid

Many barbers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for barbers who have a pleasant manner and good grooming. They also look for employees who enjoy working with people. Employers want barbers who are willing and able to follow customers' instructions. An ability to sell hair care products is preferred.

# Took over national content and deleted the following phrase since must be licensed in this state to work as barber. "Most employers require barbers to be licensed." 2/7/18 cj.

Licensing/certification

Barbers must be licensed in Washington State. Licensing requirements include:

• being age 17 or older;
• completion of 1,000 hours of instruction in barbering from a state-approved and licensed school in Washington, or
• completion of a state-approved apprenticeship training program; and
• passing National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology written and performance examinations.

The state licensing application fee is $25. Written and practical exam fees are paid to the testing provider. Currently, the cost is $114 for the written and $180 for the practical exam. Workers must pay a $55 fee every two years to renew their license.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Cosmetology Licensing Program 
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507-9026
360.664.6626

#Checked licensing info & updated testing fees 2/14/12 cj. Ok 2013 update lh. Updated national written & practical exam fees; rest ok 2/10/14 cj. Licensing info ok, 3/1/16 cj. Updated exam fee statement & costs per LH's mention of changes to this info, 2/7/18, cj. no changes 4/3/19

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Barbers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay for barbers varies by their experience and the range of services they provide. The number of customers they attract and hold also affects wages. Earnings are usually low for beginning barbers, but increase as they build a steady clientele. In addition, pay varies by how much customers tip. Some barbers receive a portion of money from the products they sell. In some barber shops, employees are paid bonuses for bringing in new clients.

Some barber shops offer benefits for full-time employees. These may include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. However, many barbers are self-employed or work part time. These workers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 75% of barbers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Barber shops
• Beauty shops and salons

National outlook

Demand for barbers will increase as population growth will lead to greater demand for basic haircare services.

Job opportunities will arise as current workers retire or leave the occupation.

Other resources

Behind the Chair 

Careers in Beauty 

Professional Beauty Association 
7755 East Grey Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
800.468.2274
480.281.0424

References

Career cluster

• Human Services

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Barbers (39-5011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Barber (330.371-010) 
• Barber Apprentice (330.371-014) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Service Skilled