Are Barbers Financially Comfortable in 2025?

Are Barbers Financially Comfortable in 2025?

If you're thinking about becoming a barber, you're probably wondering:

Can you actually make a good living? Is the six-figure talk legit or just hype?

According to platforms like Indeed, barbers in Florida report a median income of $85,000. Some shops and instructors say $100K is realistic, if you put in the time, build your clientele, and stay consistent.

But averages don’t always tell the full story. So let’s get into what real barbers are experiencing right now, from income highs and lows to overhead costs, healthcare struggles, and lifestyle flexibility.

What Do High-Earning Barbers Actually Make?

Some experienced barbers are making serious money. One example:

  • $45 per cut + tips = ~$52 average
  • 30-minute appointments, up to 16 cuts/day
  • 5 days/week

That’s a gross of around $189,000/year.

After chair rent (~$25,000/year) and tools, that barber nets around $110,000–$120,000 annually. No fluff, just consistency, location, and a packed schedule.

But not every shop pulls beach-town prices. That brings us to...

What’s the Low End of Barber Income?

Some barbers are making $600–$800 a week, especially early on or during slow seasons. That’s about $30,000–$40,000 a year. One barber with nearly a decade in hair reported grossing just over $50K in their best years and half that when times were lean.

Your drive matters. Your location matters.

Your client retention matters even more.

Is It All Worth It Without Benefits?

Let’s be honest:

Barbers are often independent contractors, which means:

  • No paid time off

You don’t get paid when you take a day off, whether you’re sick, on vacation, or handling personal matters.

  • No company-covered health insurance

You have to buy your own health insurance plan. There’s no employer paying part or all of it. 

  • No retirement match

There’s no employer contributing to a 401(k) or retirement account for you. If you want to save, it’s entirely on you.

  • You pay all your own taxes

Since you’re self-employed, there’s no employer withholding taxes for you. You’re responsible for setting money aside and filing quarterly or yearly.

Covered California

Some barbers go through Covered California or private plans to get insurance. Others rely on a spouse’s job or just hope to stay healthy.

If you compare barbering to a $100K+ salaried job with benefits, it’s a different picture. But the difference isn't always about money, sometimes it’s about lifestyle.

So... Can You Be Comfortable?

A few consistent themes come up from barbers who are doing well:

  • They live off cash tips and save their direct deposits
  • They keep overhead low where possible
  • They work hard but stay flexible
  • They take pride in the lifestyle barbering can offer

Think of it like any trade:

Some plumbers make minimum wage. Others hit six figures.

Barbering works the same way. It can offer financial stability and control over your time, but not without risk and hustle.

Bottom Line: What Should You Expect?

Here’s a breakdown of what you’re walking into:

  • Income Potential $30K–$120K+ depending on location, clients, hustle
  • Overhead $300–$600/week for chair rent, tools, supplies
  • Benefits None unless you secure your own
  • Taxes You're responsible, plan accordingly
  • Flexibility High, you control your schedule
  • Job Security Based on your consistency and relationships

If you’re still in school or just getting licensed, now’s the time to shadow active barbers. Ask real questions. Sit in the shop. Get a feel for the pace, the people, the peaks and valleys.

And don’t just look at the flash, you want to see what a Tuesday looks like, not just Saturdays.

Thinking About Barber School?

Commitment matters, but so does research. If you’re halfway through school and still unsure, that’s normal, but you should be honest with yourself. Some people discover it’s not for them after they’re already licensed. Others never stop loving it.

And if you're someone who values flexibility over traditional 9-to-5 comfort, barbering might be the better choice.

Don’t Forget About Business Insurance

If you're running your own chair or shop, you'll also need:

  • General liability insurance – protects against customer injuries or property damage
  • Professional liability – covers claims related to your services
  • Property insurance – protects tools, equipment, or the shop itself

You can get a barbershop insurance quote online in minutes. It’s one more cost to factor in, but one bad incident without coverage could cost you everything you’ve worked for.

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