Barber

While every state requires a barber license, the national median salary sits around $38,210, revealing vast income disparities depending on where you practice. This profession shows strong resilience against automation, with a low AI exposure of -0.73, indicating a stable future. However, the range from Tennessee's median of $24,690 to Oregon's $77,430 highlights that location is paramount for earning potential.

Regional patterns reveal distinct earning landscapes; the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states generally offer higher pay, with New Jersey providing a respectable $54,850 for just 900 training hours, a surprisingly low barrier for its income. The Pacific Northwest, exemplified by Washington's $61,150 median for 1,000 hours, stands out for high earnings despite moderate training requirements. Conversely, many Southern states, like Arkansas and Mississippi, often require 1,500 hours of training for significantly lower pay, demonstrating that a lengthy educational path does not always correlate with higher income. Iowa is a surprising outlier, among the top five nationally at $58,900, which for its 1,550 hours and relatively small number of employed barbers, suggests high demand or specialized market conditions.

Beyond salary, state-to-state differences in licensing requirements are substantial, impacting your initial career path. Training hours vary dramatically, from a brief 800 in Maine and New Hampshire to a demanding 1,800 in Ohio, Michigan, and Nebraska. Many states, including Florida and Oregon, don't require a practical exam, easing the initial licensure burden, while others like North Carolina and Georgia implement a two-tier system, requiring an apprenticeship before full licensure. These variations mean the path to becoming a licensed barber can be vastly different across state lines, influencing both time commitment and initial career flexibility. A closely-related path worth comparing is the Cosmetologist certification. If you're thinking about advancing further, see how Barber compares to Cosmetologist in time-to-credential, pay, and scope of practice. For another low-barrier option with a similar time commitment, compare Barber vs. Personal Trainer.