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Barber / Hair Stylist / Cosmetologist

Quick Facts

Median Salary$40,272
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+21.64%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment

What They Do

A Barber, Hair Stylist, or Cosmetologist provides haircuts, shampoos, hair styling and other beauty services to customers. Works in a salon business or independent shops, including barber shops that serve primarily male customers. May sell hair or skin products.


Core Tasks:

  • Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
  • Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
  • Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
  • Schedule client appointments.
  • Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
  • Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
  • Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
  • Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
  • Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.
  • Order, display, and maintain supplies.
  • Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
  • Develop new styles and techniques.
  • Apply water or setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair, and use curlers, rollers, hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair.
  • Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using depilatory cream, tweezers, electrolysis or wax.
  • Shave, trim, and shape beards and moustaches.

What to expect as a Barber / Hair Stylist / Cosmetologist

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

3% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Barber / Hair Stylist / Cosmetologist related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

5737 openings for Barbers / Hair Stylists / Cosmetologists

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Barber / Hair Stylist / Cosmetologist. Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.