How long does it take to become a barber?

Typically a few months to two years for the certificate. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do barbers make?

The US median is $38,210 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a barber?

Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.

Where can you train to become a barber?

742 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a barber

Personal care & beauty · SOC 39-5011

$38,210US median pay, 2025

+3.3%Projected growth, 2025–35

6,900Openings per year

CertificateUsual way in

How you get in

A certificate or short program is the usual way in.

Postsecondary nondegree award
Work as a barber

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Barbering/Barber	CIP 12.0402	460
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor	CIP 12.0413	327
Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design	CIP 12.0407	81
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager	CIP 12.0412	16

See the 742 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a barber?: Typically a few months to two years for the certificate. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do barbers make?: The US median is $38,210 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a barber?: Not a full degree. A certificate or short program is the usual route.
Where can you train to become a barber?: 742 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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