Barber, Hairstylist, and Cosmetologist
1. OVERVIEW
Barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists help clients maintain and enhance their personal appearance. They provide services such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, trimming beards, and offering skincare or cosmetic consultations. Though heavily client-facing, the job also includes sanitation, product recommendations, and sometimes business operations.
2024 Median Pay: $35,420/year ($17.03/hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): +7% (faster than average)
Typical Education: Postsecondary nondegree award (state-approved program)
2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL
ENTRY LEVEL
Job Titles: Junior Stylist, Apprentice Barber, Salon Assistant, Cosmetology Intern
Education: Completion of a state-approved program
Experience: None required
Certifications (Mandatory): State Cosmetology or Barber License
Core Duties:
• Wash and blow-dry clients’ hair
• Assist senior stylists with cuts and color
• Sanitize tools and workstations
• Book appointments and greet clients
Salary Range: $24,000–$35,000
MID LEVEL
Job Titles: Hairstylist, Barber, Cosmetologist
Education: Licensed + 2–5 years experience
Certifications (Recommended): Specialized color, texture, or skincare certificates
Core Duties:
• Perform full-service haircuts, coloring, and facial hair grooming
• Recommend treatments and retail products
• Build and retain a client base
• Train assistants or apprentices
Salary Range: $35,000–$55,000+ (plus tips or commission)
SENIOR LEVEL
Job Titles: Salon Manager, Master Barber, Cosmetology Educator
Education: Licensed, some business coursework preferred
Experience: 6+ years, leadership preferred
Certifications (Preferred): Advanced styling, salon management, aesthetics
Core Duties:
• Manage scheduling, inventory, staff training
• Develop marketing strategies for the salon
• Maintain compliance with health regulations
• Offer advanced services like extensions or aesthetics
Salary Range: $55,000–$90,000+ (varies widely with self-employment)
3. HOW TO BECOME ONE
• Minimum Education: Complete a licensed cosmetology or barbering program
• Training: Practical and classroom hours (1,000–1,800 hours depending on state)
• Licenses: Required in all states; some states have reciprocity agreements
• Soft Skills: Customer service, stamina, attention to detail, communication, salesmanship
4. SKILLS & TOOLS
Core Skills:
• Cutting, coloring, styling hair
• Sanitation and hygiene protocols
• Skin and scalp treatments
• Client consultation and upselling
Tools:
• Clippers, shears, razors, dryers, curling/flat irons
• Styling products (gel, mousse, sprays)
• POS systems and booking software
5. WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Locations: Salons, barbershops, spas, hotels, cruise ships, freelance or mobile setups
• Schedules: Full-time or part-time; evenings and weekends common
• Environment: Physically demanding (standing), exposure to chemicals, customer-focused
6. JOB OUTLOOK
• Demand Drivers: Personal grooming trends, aging population, urbanization
• Annual Openings: ~89,100 through 2033
• Growth Opportunity: Owning a salon, specializing in niche services (e.g., bridal, textured hair, skin services)
7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS
Role: Skincare Specialists | Salary: $41,560 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
Role: Manicurists & Pedicurists | Salary: $34,660 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
Role: Massage Therapists | Salary: $49,860 | Education Level: Postsecondary certificate
8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT
Certifications & Courses:
• Milady Training (www.miladytraining.com)
• Pivot Point LAB (www.pivot-point.com)
• Aveda Institute Programs
• Paul Mitchell Schools
• Barbicide Sanitation Certification
Books:
• Milady Standard Cosmetology
• The Haircutting Handbook
• Business Fundamentals for Salon Professionals
Videos & Channels:
• Sam Villa Hair Tutorials (YouTube)
• Hair101 with April
• BeautyLaunchpad
• Cosmoprof Channel
Communities:
• r/Cosmetology (Reddit)
• Behind the Chair (behindthechair.com)
• Cosmetology Career Center Facebook Groups
9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
• BLS Profile: Barber/Cosmetologist Page
• CareerOneStop: Salary & Licensing by State
• Projections Central: State-by-State Job Growth
