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How Much do Barbers Make a Year? [PRO]
How Much do Barbers Make a Year? [PRO]
$28,000 – $50,000 average annual salary
How much do barbers make a year?
The average income for barbers is $28,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on their clientele, experience, and city. Barber pay is less for beginners than for barbers with lots of experience, especially in premium locations. Top-earning barbers with stellar reputations can make $60,000 to $70,000 per year.
Barber salary by location
The average barber salary varies significantly by state and city. For example:
In cities in California, barbers earn $36,000 to $77,000 per year, reflecting the state's higher living costs and service prices.
In New York City, barbers earn $39,000 to $75,000+ per year, with Manhattan barbers making more than average. Top earners sometimes make $100,000 per year or more.
In smaller towns and cities, reported barber salary averages are closer to $28,000 to $50,000 per year.
Barber pay by experience
Earnings rise steadily as barbers build skill, speed, and an established client base. While entry-level barbers make modest salaries at first, mid-level barbers often see significant growth, and veteran barbers can earn far beyond the national averages, especially if they run their own shops.
| Experience level | Estimated annual income | What this stage looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0 – 2 years) |
$28,000 – $35,000 |
|
| Early career (3 – 5 years) |
$35,000 – $50,000 |
|
| Mid-career (5 – 10 years) |
$45,000 – $60,000 |
|
| Experienced (10+ years) |
$60,000 – $80,000 |
|
| High-demand specialists | $80,000 – $100,000+ |
|
Factors that affect barber income
The income of a barber depends on where they work, how they structure their business, and their level of experience. Some barbers rent a chair in a shop, some work for wages, and others own thriving barbershops. The following factors shape earnings in the barbering profession:
Business model: A barber hired full-time like a normal employee earns differently than one on commission or renting a chair from the barbershop owner.
Location: Barbers in large metropolitan areas often charge more and earn higher salaries than those in rural settings.
Experience and reputation: Skilled barbers with loyal clientele can charge higher prices.
Tips: In some shops, gratuities make up a significant portion of barber income.
Hours worked: Full-time barbers who take more clients each day achieve higher annual earnings.
How much does a barbershop owner make?
If you plan on starting a barbershop, you can expect to earn $35,000 to $63,400 per year on average in take-home pay. Your profits will be higher in busy locations and if you offer a variety of services, sometimes over $75,000 to $100,000+ per year if you have steady clientele.
Owners may earn less than average when first starting out. Having a solid barbershop business plan can help predict your income potential and plan for potential challenges.
Potential for higher income
Many barbers increase their earnings by building a personal brand and offering more than a haircut. Strategies include:
Selling products: Barbers who recommend and sell grooming products add to their income.
Specializing in services: Fades, beard treatments, and shaves can bring in higher service prices.
Business ownership: With enough chairs, steady traffic, and proper management, owning a barbershop can be profitable and transform one's average barber pay into a six-figure income.
Social media presence: Some barbers use Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube for marketing and sponsorship opportunities.
Fash: If you join Fash, you can gain access to more clients. Making a profile is free, and we don't charge a membership or subscription fee.
For ambitious professionals, income depends on more than just the number of cuts per day. It's about adding value and scaling their services.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.