Barbers

What the job really is

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-5011
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Provide skin care and nail treatments.
• Shampoo hair.
• Recommend and sell lotions, tonics, or other cosmetic supplies.
• Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
• Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
• Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.
• Question patrons regarding desired services and haircut styles.
• Clean work stations and sweep floors.
• Apply lather and shave beards or neck and temple hair contours, using razors.
• Record services provided on cashiers' tickets or receive payment from customers.
• Shape and trim beards and moustaches, using scissors.
• Perform clerical and administrative duties such as keeping records, paying bills, and hiring and supervising personnel.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Adjustable barber chairs, Appointment scheduling software, Barber scissors, Curling irons, Customer information databases

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• Skincare Specialists
• Shampooers
• Manicurists and Pedicurists
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
• Sewers, Hand
• Spa Managers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Barbers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.