Barber Programs and Barbering Career Information

Jump to Your Question:

• Where can I find, locate and compare barber schools?
• What's the difference between barber school and a barber program at a standard cosmetology or hair school?
• What do you learn in barber school?
• How much does barber school cost?
• What are the enrollment requirements to attend barber school?
• What are some of the career opportunities for barbers after graduation?
• What salary can I expect to earn after barber school?
• How do I know which barber school or barbering program is right for me?

What is the difference between a barber school, and a barbering program at a cosmetology school?

Some might group a barber school or barber program and a hairstylist school in the same category, but by definition, this is an over-generalization. Barber schools are primarily concerned with the study of men's hair and its many forms and structures. Barbering is understanding the different types of men's hair and facial hair as it pertains to ethnicity, curliness, thickness, and manageability. Any seasoned barber or stylist will tell you that, within the world of hair, there are an almost innumerable number of different combinations and a great barber will understand and be able to work with any of them.

What will I learn in barber school?

At barber schools, barber programs teach students the essentials required in providing complete hair and skin services for men. Although barbering courses are often taught at cosmetology and beauty schools, there are also independent barber schools and barber programs which are designed specifically to teach the time-honored profession of barbering. Students at barber schools learn such barbering services as steam facials, facial massages, and foam shaves, as well as modern razor styling, hair cutting, coloring, permanent waving, and blow drying. Through these barber programs, students train for their state barber license, which is given by a state barber board.

Figuring out how to properly manage each hair type is one of the most rewarding parts of barber school and barbering in general. As part of the curriculum of manly barber schools, you will also learn about the various hair and scalp conditions that can hinder proper styling. Remember for barbering, the hair must be healthy for it to reach its full potential.

Barber schools and barber programs can also offer comprehensive classes in barbering, barber shop ownership and business management. Students usually practice on mannequins in the beginning of their barbering courses, while being trained by licensed barber teachers, and move on to actual clients to develop their technique as the courses progress.

How much does barber school cost to attend?

Most barbering courses are offered on a full-time or part-time basis, so how much barber school costs vary based on the school, the area the school is in, and how many hours your state requires to become licensed. You'll find that it depends on the types of courses, hours of instruction needed, and the location of the school. The best thing to do is to request information from the barber schools you are considering to discover how much a barber school costs.

What are the requirements to enroll in barber school?

Barber Schools often require a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to enrollment, but check with the state in which you plan to enroll and also check with the school itself to be sure. Take a look at our state license requirements page page to find out your state's requirements to become a barber. Though we try to keep our license requirements up to date, we always recommend you contact the licensing department for the state you're interested in to verify if there have been any changes in programs or required hours.

What are job options for barbers after graduation?

Many students who graduate from barber schools go on to work for, or eventually open their own barber shops. Many also start careers as professional hairstylists in a salon setting, specializing in men's cuts. Some barbers elect to work in live-in facilities for the elderly, and others pursue a more public career in the spotlight helping cut men's hair for TV and broadcast. There are a variety of unique options for your barber career after you graduate. If you want to know more about careers in barbering, check out this barber job description.

What salary can I expect to earn after attending barber school?

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, barbering salary typically varies from $17,000 per year to $45,000 per year. The wages you earn as a barber can depend on a number of factors. One is the setting in which you work. Some barbers work in salons or barber shops, while others decide to go into business for themselves and open their own barber shops. Some barbers work in community care facilities for the elderly, some work in the news and broadcast business. Another factor that can affect what you get paid as a barber is where you live and work. At the last BLS survey, the top paying states for barber occupations are Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nebraska and Texas.  Barber salary can also vary from city to city. Some metropolitan areas tend to pay higher than others, and barbers who work in rural settings might have a smaller take-home pay. One factor that is often not included in barber salary data is the amount of money you may make from tips. 

How do I know which barber school or barbering program is right for me?

The best way to choose a barber school is always to research the barber schools you're considering and ask a lot of questions when you talk to the admissions representative. The right barber school for some might not be the right barbering school for others. To some people cost is the most important factor, but to others it's the skills taught in school, and yet others think that an in-school barber shop to get hands-on experience is most important. Regardless of which school you choose, a good barber school should teach you how to cultivate your strengths in cutting and styling men's hair as well as the art of a good shave. Choose the right school for you, because getting the barber education is a necessary first step to getting gainful employment in any barber shop. For a checklist of questions to ask your admissions rep and a list of things you should consider when choosing a school, check out how to choose a beauty school.