How much do barbers make a year?

What’s the average annual income for a barber?

In the United States, the average barber makes between $30,000 and $60,000 per year. But like most service-based careers, your income depends heavily on:

• Where you’re based
• How many clients you see
• Whether you’re employed or self-employed
• The types of services you offer

Some barbers earn as little as $25K starting out, while others easily make $70K–$100K+ per year once they build a strong reputation or own their own barbershop.

Employed vs self-employed barber income

Employed Barber (in a barbershop or salon):

• Paid hourly or through commission
• Can expect to earn between $15 and $25 per hour
• May earn tips and occasional bonuses

Self-Employed Barber (own chair or shop):

• You set your own prices
• You keep most of what you make
• You handle your own expenses (rent, supplies, taxes)
• Potentially earn $60K–$100K+ per year with a loyal client base

What top-earning barbers do differently

Barbers who consistently bring in high income tend to:

• Offer premium services (beard sculpting, hot towel shaves, facials)
• Build a personal brand online (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
• Work in busy urban areas or upscale neighborhoods
• Sell retail products like beard oils, pomades, or grooming kits
• Open their own shops or rent out chairs to others

Location makes a big difference

Barbers in major cities or high-income neighborhoods usually charge more, which leads to higher earnings. For example:

• New York / LA / Miami: $60K–$100K is common with steady clients
• Mid-sized cities and suburbs: $35K–$60K is average
• Small towns: $25K–$45K is typical, but with lower cost of living

Upsells add up

Many barbers make 20% or more of their income through upselling extras like:

• Beard treatments
• Line-ups or detailed fades
• Premium hair or scalp products
• Memberships or prepaid packages