Barbers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
In Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, barbers earn $79,720 at the median — $38.33 an hour. The range runs from $37K at the entry level to $127K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $71,736 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 45.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $80K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About barbers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level barbers (10th percentile) start around $37K. Mid-career wages sit at $80K.Top earners bring in $127K or more - a $90K 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do barbers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $79,720 a year - that works out to about $38.33 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,870, and experienced barbers can clear $127,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $80K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,372/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 46.6% 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median barbers salary is worth about $71,736 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.