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Personal Care and Service

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Barbers
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Median pay

$38,960
Median annual pay for Barbers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

8,400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

76,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Barbers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+3,100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical education needed to enter Barbers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Administration and Management
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Economics and Accounting
  5. 5Psychology
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Arm-Hand Steadiness
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Finger Dexterity
  5. 5Manual Dexterity
  6. 6Oral Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Investigative

Work styles

  1. 1Social Orientation
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cooperation
  4. 4Attention to Detail
  5. 5Optimism
  6. 6Empathy

Work activities

  1. 1Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  2. 2Thinking Creatively
  3. 3Performing General Physical Activities
  4. 4Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  5. 5Assisting and Caring for Others
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  2. 2Contact With Others
  3. 3Freedom to Make Decisions
  4. 4Physical Proximity
  5. 5Spend Time Standing
  6. 6Telephone Conversations

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
  • Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.

Software and tools

Facebook · hot technologyLinux · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAppointment scheduling softwareCustomer information databasesPoint of sale POS payment softwareYouTube

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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