How Much Do Barbers Make? Salary by State (2026)
“How much do barbers make?” is one of the first questions people ask when considering a barbering career. The answer varies significantly by state, experience level, and whether you work in a shop or run your own business. This guide breaks down real BLS salary data for barbers across every state, plus what it costs to get licensed and how to maximize your earning potential.
Important: Salary data below comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Our database tracks licensing data. For the most current salary figures, visit bls.gov directly.
National Salary Overview
According to BLS data (May 2024), the national median annual wage for barbers is $38,960. However, barber income can vary dramatically — BLS wage data reflects only base wages reported by employers and often does not capture tips, which can represent a significant portion of a barber’s total income. Booth rental income and self-employment earnings are also not fully captured in these figures.
Barber Salary by State
The table below shows barber wages across all states with available BLS data, sorted by median annual salary from highest to lowest.
| State | Median | 25th Pctile | 75th Pctile | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $102,360 | $78,080 | $103,390 | N/A |
| Iowa | $78,480 | $58,940 | $78,510 | 140 |
| Washington | $70,750 | $58,830 | $108,080 | 360 |
| North Carolina | $64,290 | $59,420 | $97,220 | 250 |
| Colorado | $56,690 | $41,620 | $73,690 | 630 |
| Louisiana | $49,850 | $32,150 | $53,390 | 40 |
| New Jersey | $49,360 | $31,470 | $59,830 | 1,150 |
| Massachusetts | $48,990 | $38,570 | $53,310 | N/A |
| Kentucky | $48,930 | $43,230 | $62,190 | N/A |
| Georgia | $47,630 | $29,180 | $63,810 | 650 |
| Ohio | $46,930 | $44,090 | $57,190 | N/A |
| Florida | $46,900 | $31,300 | $60,550 | 1,730 |
| Maryland | $46,530 | $45,920 | $49,450 | N/A |
| Virginia | $44,760 | $38,040 | $72,680 | N/A |
| Missouri | $44,390 | $36,160 | $73,580 | 470 |
| Indiana | $43,590 | $26,950 | $56,470 | 270 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,570 | $29,140 | $50,000 | 920 |
| South Carolina | $37,300 | $28,440 | $49,500 | 490 |
| Minnesota | $37,250 | $36,730 | $37,250 | N/A |
| California | $36,590 | $34,630 | $57,240 | 1,630 |
| Maine | $36,460 | $30,080 | $50,850 | 70 |
| Texas | $36,400 | $29,150 | $64,140 | 3,920 |
| Illinois | $36,300 | $35,420 | $62,400 | 290 |
| Connecticut | $35,810 | $35,100 | $42,160 | N/A |
| West Virginia | $34,360 | $30,040 | $45,310 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $34,360 | $29,510 | $47,260 | 350 |
| North Dakota | $34,100 | $28,370 | $46,520 | 50 |
| Arizona | $32,840 | $32,510 | $32,840 | N/A |
| New York | $32,050 | $32,050 | $60,500 | N/A |
| Oklahoma | $31,450 | $24,110 | $33,750 | 120 |
| Tennessee | $31,230 | $22,240 | $41,600 | 280 |
| Michigan | $29,390 | $28,310 | $35,970 | 190 |
| Alabama | $27,850 | $26,790 | $28,350 | 90 |
| Utah | $25,290 | $24,050 | $25,640 | 290 |
| Arkansas | $24,700 | $23,420 | $29,450 | 180 |
| Mississippi | $24,110 | $19,110 | $44,980 | 60 |
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Barbers
These states offer the highest median annual wages for barbers according to BLS data:
Licensing Cost vs. Earning Potential
One of the most attractive aspects of a barbering career is the relatively low barrier to entry compared to earning potential. While licensing costs vary by state, total initial government fees typically range from a few dozen dollars to several hundred dollars. Compared to the national median salary of $38,960, the return on investment for barber licensing is strong — most barbers can recoup their licensing costs within the first few weeks of work.
Factors That Affect Barber Pay
1. Location
As the state-by-state data shows, where you work matters enormously. Barbers in high-cost-of-living states and major metro areas tend to earn significantly more, though local living expenses are also higher.
2. Tips
Tips are a major component of barber income that BLS data does not fully capture. In many shops, tips can add 15–25% on top of base earnings, making the true total compensation considerably higher than reported wages.
3. Employment Type
Barbers who rent a booth or own their own shop have higher earning potential (keeping more of each haircut’s revenue) but also bear business expenses like rent, supplies, and insurance. Commission-based employees earn a percentage of each service, while hourly or salaried barbers have more predictable income.
4. Experience and Clientele
Experienced barbers with loyal clientele can charge premium prices and stay booked consistently. Building a following — especially through social media — can dramatically increase income. Specialty services like fades, beard sculpting, and hot towel shaves command higher prices.
5. Specialization
Barbers who offer specialty services or work in upscale barbershops and salons generally command higher prices per service. Some barbers supplement their income with product sales or by training apprentices.
Get Started: Barber Licensing Requirements
Ready to start your barbering career? Check your state’s specific licensing requirements, education hours, and fees:
Salary data on this page is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Licensing cost data is from our verified state-by-state database. Actual earnings vary by location, experience, tips, and employment arrangement. Visit bls.gov for the most current figures.
Interested in This Career?
Check your state's licensing requirements, costs, and timeline to get started.