Barbers Salary in U.S. (2024)
In U.S., barbers earn $38,960 at the median — $18.73 an hour. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $78K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $39K get you in U.S.?
About barbers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level barbers (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $78K or more - a $51K spread from bottom to top.
Barbers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $102K | +163% | N/A |
| Iowa | $78K | +101% | 140 |
| Washington | $71K | +82% | 360 |
| North Carolina | $64K | +65% | 250 |
| Louisiana | $50K | +28% | 40 |
| New Jersey | $49K | +27% | 1,150 |
| Massachusetts | $49K | +26% | N/A |
| Kentucky | $49K | +26% | N/A |
| Georgia | $48K | +22% | 650 |
| Ohio | $47K | +20% | N/A |
| Florida | $47K | +20% | 1,730 |
| Maryland | $47K | +19% | N/A |
| Virginia | $45K | +15% | N/A |
| Missouri | $44K | +14% | 470 |
| Indiana | $44K | +12% | 270 |
Track barbers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do barbers make in U.S.?
The median is $38,960 a year - that works out to about $18.73 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $27,770, and experienced barbers can clear $78,440. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,779/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 50.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a barbers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median barbers salary is worth about $38,960 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do barbers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.