BABarber
BA
Career

Barber

By the numbers
Typical pay
$38,210 / yr
Education to start
Postsecondary nondegree award
Future demand
+4.1% by 2034
People in this job
15K
Figures shown for ·1 O*NET occupation
The work
A day, hour by hour
09:00
Shop setup

Sanitize clippers, combs, and razors. Stock towels, fresh capes, and neck strips.

09:30
First fade

Consult on the cut, then blend a skin fade until seamless.

10:45
Honest consult

Photo doesn't fit his head shape. Suggest a tweak he'll like.

11:30
Regulars rush

Back-to-back cuts. Read who wants chat and who wants quiet.

13:30
Beard & hot towel

Shape the beard, line it with a straight razor, finish with steam.

14:45
Skin check

Spot irritation near the neckline. Stop the shave, switch to trimmers.

15:30
Product talk

Recommend pomade or clay, then show how to style it.

17:00
Walk-ins & kids

Quick tapers and line-ups. Keep the shop lively and the line moving.

18:30
Post & book

Photograph the day's best cuts, post them, and answer booking requests.

Things you do
  • Blend fades and tapers with clippers until the lines look seamless.
  • Talk with clients about the cut they want and what suits them.
  • Sharpen edges and line-ups with trimmers and a straight razor.
  • Shape and trim beards, then finish with a hot towel shave.
  • Chat with regulars and keep the shop's community feel going.
Decisions you’ll make
  • Will this cut actually suit his head shape and hair, or just match the photo?
  • Do I fade this a little shorter to be safe, or stay longer in case he wants more?
  • Is this client in a chatty mood, or does he want quiet in the chair?
  • Do I tell him this style won't work, or just give him what he asked for?
  • Is this skin irritation or nick safe to work around, or should I stop the shave?
Education Pathways · how you get there
26 in 100 went the college route · 74 in 100 found another way in None, typically

People usually reach this work through experience rather than a college program.

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Education mapped from O*NET:Barbers · 98% related
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