Barber: Job Market

No matter how many salons and day spas emerge, there will always be room for the good ol' barbershop. It's a place where boys and men gather for quality, affordable personal care -- without interference from the ladies.

Duties of a barber
Barbers provide hair care services for male clients. Their core duties include shampooing, cutting, and styling hair. Beyond the basics, barbers fit hairpieces, provide scalp treatments, and give men a nice, close shave. Barbers can also highlight, dye, or perm hair, and even provide skin care and nail treatments. Though many men won't admit it, their barbers routinely trim bushy eyebrows, unsightly nose hair, and overgrown ear hair.

Some barbers also sell hair, skin, and nail care products. Barbers who own barbershops are responsible for advertising, bookkeeping, ordering supplies, and managing staff.

Where to find barber jobs
The most obvious spot to find barber jobs is at a barbershop or beauty salon, but barber jobs are also available at nail salons, resort and day spas, and nursing and other residential care homes.

With a few years of experience and a steady clientele, you may have the opportunity to manage a barbershop, lease chair space in a barbershop, or open your own shop. You may also teach in a barber school, provide training through a vocational school, or become an examiner for state licensing boards.

Barber programs
Full-time barber programs usually last nine months and lead to a diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Programs can be found in high schools, vocational schools, or barber schools. Barber programs include courses in scientific concepts, facial and shaving services, hair care services, and chemical services.

Graduation from a state-licensed barber school is usually required for licensure as a barber. Once you complete training, you must pass written and practical state licensing exams. Be sure to review your state's rules and regulations for professional practice before you enter a barber program.

Demand for barber jobs
Barbers are expected to see relatively little change in employment through 2016, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's why those who are licensed to provide a broad range of services, such as skin and nail care, will experience the best opportunities.

Evening and weekend work is common in barbershops. In 2006, about 19 percent of barbers worked part time, and 11 percent of barbers had variable schedules. In May 2007, median hourly earnings for salaried barbers, including tips, were $11.31.

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