How Much Do Barbers Make? A Guide

If barbering is your calling, it’s time to turn those clippers into cold, hard cash. Whether you’re fresh out of barber school or already cutting with confidence, understanding your earning potential is key. To set career goals and map out your future, you need to know what to expect from your paycheck.

So, how much do barbers make? Here’s everything you need to know about barber salaries and the factors that influence them. Plus, learn a few tips to help you maximize your income.

What’s the Average Barber Salary?

To start, let’s look at how much barbers usually make, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• How much do barbers make per hour? The average hourly wage for barbers is about $20. But you could earn anywhere from $12 to $30 an hour, depending on your work situation.
• How much does a barber make a day? This depends on how long your days are. If you’re working a typical eight-hour day, you’d probably make about $160. If you work part-time, you’ll probably make less, and if you’re putting in overtime hours, you’ll make more.
• How much do barbers make a year? The average annual salary for barbers is about $41,500. Some barbers make closer to $26,000 per year, and others make more than $60,000. 

4 Factors That Affect a Barber’s Salary

As you can see, barbers’ salaries vary a lot. One barber might make over $30,000 more than another, and that’s a big difference! 

Your paycheck is determined by a mix of factors that can bump your earnings up or down:

1. Experience and Skill Level

Barbers with years of experience and advanced skills typically earn more. If you master barbering techniques in high demand, like intricate fades or facial hair grooming, it can give you an edge that lets you charge people more. It can also help you build a larger, more loyal clientele – which translates to more money in your pocket.

2. Location

Where you work makes a massive difference in your pay. Barbers in larger cities can charge premium prices for their services because of the higher cost of living. Small-town barbers may earn a little less but often enjoy loyal, tight-knit relationships with their clients (and fewer parking headaches).

3. Specialization

Specializing in niche services like straight-razor shaves, hair tattooing, or even scalp micro pigmentation can set you apart. Clients love a barber who goes the extra mile, and they’ll happily pay a premium for their services.

4. Business Model

Finally, the business model you’re working with dramatically affects your bottom line. Did you start your own barbershop or open a franchise? Do you rent a chair somewhere? Do you earn commission? Going solo gives you more freedom (but more bills to pay), while salaried gigs give you more stable paychecks.

6 Ways To Earn More as a Barber

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Want to boost your barbering income? You don’t have to work harder – just work smarter and add value. Here are six ways to maximize your earnings:

1. Offer Extra Services

Go beyond basic cuts by adding extra barbering services to your repertoire, like beard trims, hot-towel shaves, and scalp treatments. Clients love to feel pampered, so these extras don’t just bring in more revenue – they also build loyalty.

Bundle services into packages and consider offering premium options. This encourages clients to upgrade their usual appointments, padding your profits.

2. Let Clients Book Online

Make booking an appointment with you as easy as 1-2-3. Clients appreciate the convenience, and when it’s simple to snag a spot in your chair, they’re more likely to commit – and return. Plus, online booking helps fill those awkward gaps in your schedule, maximizing your daily earnings without extra effort.

With GlossGenius, you can set up Online Booking in a snap. GlossGenius is so easy for clients to book with, businesses see a 35% increase in bookings on average. That means more time behind the chair and a steady boost to your bottom line.

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

3. Market Yourself on Social Media

Social media is your secret weapon for attracting new clients. Platforms like Instagram let you connect with potential clients, grow a following, and turn likes into loyal customers (and cash).

To market your barbershop on social media, showcase your best work with before-and-after shots and videos. Don’t forget to engage with your followers. The more active and authentic you are online, the better you stand out in the crowded market. Reply to comments and share client testimonials to further foster trust. 

You can also use social media to attract new clients by running special promos or hosting giveaways. These tactics create buzz around your services, encouraging people to book appointments they might not have otherwise. Plus, you can require giveaway participants to follow your page or tag friends, expanding your reach and bringing in more potential clients.

4. Offer Loyalty Rewards

Everyone loves a good deal, and loyalty rewards keep clients coming back. Consider using punch cards that let clients get a free service after a certain number of visits, or offer exclusive discounts to repeat customers.

But if you’re giving stuff away, how do loyalty programs help you make more money? By encouraging consistent bookings. Think of it this way: When you reward loyal clients for returning, they feel excited to return. This means fewer cancellations and more repeat business, bringing you more money in the long run.

Plus, loyal clients often refer their friends, which helps you expand your client base without any extra effort. To encourage this, try combining your loyalty program with a referral program that rewards clients for spreading the word about how much you rock.

5. Stay Up-to-Date on Trends

Clients love barbers who know what’s hot. Keeping up with the latest trends helps you stay relevant and keep your clients excited (and stylish). It also opens up opportunities to offer new services, like hair tattoos, that clients are willing to pay a premium for.

This isn’t just about copying what you see. It’s about making those trends your own. Show off your unique spin on popular styles through social media, and let clients know they can get the latest looks – and the best service – in your chair. Keep learning, experimenting, and evolving to keep your barbering game fresh and your income on the rise.

6. Sell Products

Don’t let your earnings stop at the haircut. Start selling products, too. Stock your shop or station with high-quality hair care, beard oils, or styling tools, and recommend them to clients during appointments. It’s an easy upsell that benefits both you and your customers while adding a steady stream of extra income.

Make Barbering Lucrative With GlossGenius

Want to elevate your barber business further? Try GlossGenius. GlossGenius is an all-in-one business management platform for barbers. With 30-second client booking, transparent subscription pricing, and one of the industry’s best payment processing rates, plus accounting software, and easy goal-setting features, GlossGenius can help streamline your client relations and boost your profits. Start your free trial today.

FAQs

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How Much Does a Barber Make per Haircut?

The amount a barber makes per haircut can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the type of haircut. Since the average hourly rate is about $20, you could charge $60 for a three-hour haircut. But that’s on the low side. In high-demand areas or upscale shops, some barbers can charge $75 or more for a haircut.

Keep in mind, the barber’s cut of the payment will depend on whether they’re salaried, working on commission, or renting a chair. For independent barbers, setting a fair price that reflects your expertise and fits the local market is key to earning a solid income.

Do Barbers Make Good Money?

You can absolutely earn a decent living as a barber, especially if you’re skilled and know how to build a loyal clientele. The average yearly salary for barbers is over $40,000 – not too shabby! Highly experienced, specialized, or busy barbers can make much more, particularly in urban areas where clients are willing to pay higher rates for premium services.

What Are Typical Expenses for a Self-Employed Barber?

Independent barbers who rent their chairs or own their shops can control their prices and schedules. As a result, many have a higher earning potential. But self-employed barbers are also responsible for expenses like rent, tools and equipment, hair care products, and licensing fees – that adds up.

Barbers may also need to pay for marketing, insurance, and any barbershop software they use to manage appointments or finances. That’s what makes GlossGenius the perfect solution for independent barbers. You get a full suite of tools you can use to build your business for as little as $24 per month.