There are many different careers in the cosmetology industry for which you can use your cosmetology license. One very common career path is barbery. Barbers provide haircut and grooming services for predominantly male clients, although some females also choose to visit a barbershop rather than a traditional salon. If you are interested in becoming a barber, then you first need to learn the basics about the career.
Barber vs. Hairdresser
The main difference between a barber and a hairdresser or cosmetologist is that barbers primarily work on male clients. Additionally, barbers style and treat facial hair, including offering custom shaves. Traditionally, barbershops and salons have been completely divided among the genders, but more and more men feel comfortably going to salons for a haircut and beard trim or shave. If you do offer these services in a salon, you still typically have to have specialty barber training.
What Does the Job Entail?
Work as a barber is similar to many of the other jobs in the cosmetology and beauty industry. Most barbers work in either a dedicated barbershop or in a salon. Almost half of barbers in 2012 were considered self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). As a self-employed barber, you may rent a chair in another person’s shop or open one yourself.
During a typical workday, a barber sees several clients. He or she provides a variety of services, including cutting, dying, treating, washing, and styling hair. For many clients, barbers will also groom or shave the facial hair, using a variety of tools. Many barbers also offer a traditional straight razor shave for their clients.
How Much Can One Earn?
The salary for a barber is similar to that of hairdressers and cosmetologists. The BLS lists the 2012 median pay at $22,770. The hourly wage for barbers was slightly higher than hairdressers at $12.06 compared to $10.91. The top ten percent in the field earn roughly twice that at just over $20, while the lowest 10 percent earn around $8. The state in which you live and the establishment in which you practice will affect how much money you can earn. Your ability to earn more also increases with experience.
There are different career trajectories within the industry that could also affect how much you make. According to Beauty Schools Directory, as a barber you can work as an apprentice, manager or owner of a barbershop, master barber, men’s hairstylist, hairdresser, trichologist, or celebrity barber. Some of these may require additional training or a certain level of experience.
What is the Job Outlook?
The job outlook for barbers is fairly good. It is expected to have an 11 percent growth rate, which is similar to the average for all other occupations. There will always be a demand for hair-care and grooming services, and as many of the growing population enter retirement, there will be openings for newly trained barbers. Although the job outlook is overall good, there can be competition, especially for the highest paying jobs.
Do You Need a Cosmetology License?
Every state requires barbers to have a license, which may be a cosmetology license or a specialty barber license. To get your license, you typically have to undergo on average 1500 hours of specialty training at a barber school or a cosmetology school with a barber tract. Then, you will have to sit for your state’s licensing exam. For the exact information for your situation, you need to visit your state licensing board’s website for the most accurate and up to date information.
If you prefer working with male clients and desire to work on facial hair, then you should become a barber. It offers a rewarding and lucrative experience with many options for employment.
To keep your cosmetology license up to date, get your continuing education requirements completed easily online with Beauty Academy.