Find Trade Colleges
Barbers in California
Considering working as a Barbers in California? Below are the key facts. Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
What do Barbers Make in California?
The barbers working in California, wages run about $36,590 per year (or about $17.59/hour).Pay can range from $33,870 at the 10th percentile to $63,910 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $33,870 | $16.28 |
| 25th percentile | $34,630 | $16.65 |
| Median (50th) | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| 75th percentile | $57,240 | $27.52 |
| 90th percentile | $63,910 | $30.73 |
The job concentration index in California nationwide is 0.77, meaning fewer barbers per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, barbers earn a median of $47,321 per year ($22.75/hour), lower than the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 152,040 barbers across the United States. In California alone, about 1,630 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 290 barbers.
Top California Metros for Barbers
These are the California metros with the most barbers in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 600 | $35,320 |
Top States for Barbers Employment
These states have the highest employment of barbers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 3,920 |
| Florida | 1,730 |
| California | 1,630 |
| New Jersey | 1,150 |
| Pennsylvania | 920 |
| Georgia | 650 |
| Colorado | 630 |
| South Carolina | 490 |
| Missouri | 470 |
| Washington | 360 |
| Wisconsin | 350 |
| Illinois | 290 |
| Utah | 290 |
| Tennessee | 280 |
| Indiana | 270 |
| North Carolina | 250 |
| Michigan | 190 |
| Arkansas | 180 |
| Iowa | 140 |
| Oklahoma | 120 |
Highest-Paying States for Barbers
Where barbers earn the most: barbers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $102,360 |
| Iowa | $78,480 |
| Washington | $70,750 |
| North Carolina | $64,290 |
| Colorado | $56,690 |
| Louisiana | $49,850 |
| New Jersey | $49,360 |
| Massachusetts | $48,990 |
| Kentucky | $48,930 |
| Georgia | $47,630 |
Skills
Top barbers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for barbers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Barbers typically:
- 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.
- Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.
- Stay informed of the latest styles and hair care techniques.
- Suggest treatments to alleviate hair problems.
- Order supplies.
Work Activities
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Thinking Creatively
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Facebook
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to barbers include:
- Spa Managers
- Floral Designers
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
Also Known As
Barber, Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist, Hair Cutter, Hairstylist, Licensed Barber, Stylist, Tonsorial Artist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 39-5011.00