Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Barber Pay 12-17-25

In 2025, U.S. barber pay varies widely, with averages from around $34,000 to over $52,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and if paid hourly, commission, or salary, but top earners can reach $75k+. Key factors influencing pay are experience (more experienced barbers earn significantly more), location (cities like San Francisco, Nome, AK pay better), and business model (commission vs. booth rent), with overall earnings often boosted by tips and bonuses.  

Average Salary Ranges (2025 Estimates)

General Average: Around $40,000 - $52,000/year ($19-$25/hour).

Entry-Level: Starting around $35,000/year.

Experienced (10+ years): Can earn $52,000 - $56,000+ annually. 

Factors Influencing Pay

Location: High-cost-of-living areas and major cities like those in California and Alaska offer higher pay.

Experience: Senior barbers earn substantially more than entry-level barbers.

Work Structure: Commission-based roles vs. booth rentals vs. hourly wages significantly change take-home pay.

Tips & Bonuses: These are a significant part of total compensation, with some reports showing average yearly bonuses. 

Examples of High-Paying Areas (2025)

Nome, AK: ~$64,658/year

San Bruno, CA: ~$62,270/year

Washington (State): ~$59,034/year 

In summary, while general figures are helpful, a barber's actual earnings in 2025 depend heavily on their personal skill, clientele, location, and business acumen, notes Zippia. 

In 2025, the average annual pay for a barber in the United States is approximately $52,123 per year (around $25.06 per hour), though salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and business model. Other sources report the average salary to be closer to $35,536 or as high as $81,738. 

Salary Breakdown & Key Factors

Barber income is highly dependent on several factors:

Experience: Entry-level barbers can expect to earn an average closer to $35,280, while senior barbers with over 10 years of experience may average over $52,680 annually. Top earners with significant experience and clientele can make $75,000 or more per year.

Location: Pay scales differ greatly by city and state, largely due to cost of living and demand.

Highest-paying states for barbers in 2025 include Washington, D.C., New York, and Massachusetts.

Highest-paying cities often include locations in California and Alaska like Nome, AK, and Berkeley, CA, where average salaries can exceed $60,000 annually.

Employment Type: Barbers who rent a chair or own their own shop often have higher earning potential (and higher risk) compared to employed barbers in chain salons.

Tips and Commissions: The stated salaries often do not fully account for tips and commissions, which are a significant portion of a barber's actual take-home pay. 

Job Outlook

The projected job growth rate for barbers is strong at 11% from 2018-2028, with an estimated 65,000 new jobs expected over the decade, suggesting good job security and demand for personal appearance services. 

In 2025, the average annual pay for a barber in the United States is approximately $52,123 per year (around $25.06 per hour), though salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and business model. Other sources report the average salary to be closer to $35,536 or as high as $81,738. 

Salary Breakdown & Key Factors

Barber income is highly dependent on several factors:

Experience: Entry-level barbers can expect to earn an average closer to $35,280, while senior barbers with over 10 years of experience may average over $52,680 annually. Top earners with significant experience and clientele can make $75,000 or more per year.

Location: Pay scales differ greatly by city and state, largely due to cost of living and demand.

Highest-paying states for barbers in 2025 include Washington, D.C., New York, and Massachusetts.

Highest-paying cities often include locations in California and Alaska like Nome, AK, and Berkeley, CA, where average salaries can exceed $60,000 annually.

Employment Type: Barbers who rent a chair or own their own shop often have higher earning potential (and higher risk) compared to employed barbers in chain salons.

Tips and Commissions: The stated salaries often do not fully account for tips and commissions, which are a significant portion of a barber's actual take-home pay. 

Job Outlook

The projected job growth rate for barbers is strong at 11% from 2018-2028, with an estimated 65,000 new jobs expected over the decade, suggesting good job security and demand for personal appearance services. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=barber+pay+in+us+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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