How much do barbers make in the UK?

Barbers specialise in many men's grooming services, including haircuts, beard shaping and moustache styling. Some offer extra services like waxing, traditional close shaves and treatments for the hair and scalp, too.

Barbering has transformed from a traditional service to a blend of artistry, style and self-expression. Modern barbershops are now buzzing with clients from all walks of life, looking for everything from classic cuts to edgy hairstyles. This new evolution in barbering has more people than ever thinking about starting in the industry—and with over 13,000 barber shops in the UK, you won't be short on opportunities.

If you're considering your next career move and are interested in barbering, you probably have a few questions. One of them might be, "How much do barbers make in the UK?" We've got you covered with our barbering breakdown.

What do barbers do?

The main responsibility of a barber is giving haircuts. This means understanding how to create various looks while considering your customers' hair type, style and facial features. You might also colour or bleach hair, depending on your clientele. Some barbers also specialise in hair loss treatments and wig-fitting.

Barbers also groom and shape beards, moustaches and facial hair for clean lines and a well-groomed appearance. Some barbers also offer traditional wet shaves or hair and scalp treatments to enhance their clients' hair's overall health and appearance. These include deep conditioning, scalp massages and hot oil treatments, all contributing to healthier and more vibrant hair.

Another essential aspect of a barber's role is to offer personalised consultations. They take the time to listen to their client's preferences and consider factors such as hair type, face shape and lifestyle. There's no point suggesting a hair maintenance style for someone who doesn't want to spend time styling.

Barbers also play a role in recommending hair care and grooming products to their clients. They have knowledge of products and can guide individuals in choosing the best ones for their specific hair and grooming needs. This can also mean they earn more commission.

Providing great customer service and maintaining hygiene standards are two other hallmarks of a skilled barber that are essential for keeping clients coming back.

What skills do barbers need?

There are some key skills that barbers need to succeed in the industry. Here’s an overview of the skills a successful barber needs: 

• Haircutting techniques, shaving skills and facial hair grooming expertise
• Styling and product knowledge
• Customer service and communication skills
• Creativity
• Time management
• Health and safety, hygiene and cleanliness
• Problem-solving and adaptability

What qualifications do you need to be a barber in the UK?

In the UK, becoming a professional barber typically requires specific qualifications and certifications to practise legally and provide grooming services. The primary qualification needed to become a barber in the UK is an accredited barbering diploma or certificate from an accredited training provider, either as part of an apprenticeship, training programme or course.

Look for accredited courses accredited by recognised industry bodies, such as the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) or the Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT). During the training program, aspiring barbers undergo hands-on practical training to learn various haircutting and grooming techniques. They also gain experience in beard trimming, styling and other essential barbering skills.

Once the training is complete, students are typically evaluated through practical assessments and written exams. Successful completion of the accredited training program leads to the award of a barbering diploma or certificate, which is a recognised qualification within the industry.

Barbers should engage in continuing professional development (CPD) to keep their skills up-to-date and stay informed about the latest trends and techniques in the industry. They’ll also need specialist barber insurance.

How much do barbers make in the UK?

Not everyone’s barbering career is exactly the same. Just like there are different routes into the industry, different factors also go into earnings and pay.

According to salary website Check A Salary, here’s how the average pay for a barber in the UK looks:

• The average Barber salary in the UK is £27,256.59
• The hourly average pay for a Barber salary in the UK is £13.10
• The starting salary for a junior Barber in the UK is £18,533.00 per year or £8.91 per hour

As you can see above, some barbers might get paid per hour, whereas others are paid a salary or are self-employed. A trainee barber will get paid less than the above rates as they still need to be qualified, and if they're working as an apprentice, they'll usually earn a minimum wage.

Location can make a difference in pay (both in the UK and where the barber shop is based), as can the type of work you do. It also can depend on whether you're self-employed or employed to work in a barber shop—self-employed can mean you're mobile or rent a chair in a barber shop.

The level of experience, skill and specialisation can also make a difference. You can also earn more money as a barber by selling additional services and commission-based retail products, which is part and parcel of working in a service-based industry such as barbering. Some barbers also train or offer courses alongside their careers to earn additional income and support other industry professionals.

Where are the highest paying cities to be a barber?

If you’re flexible about where you live, or you’re happy to move to a new location to pursue your career, then you might be interested in where the highest paying UK cities to be a barber are. 

Here's a breakdown from the recruitment website Indeed on the places where barbers earn the most, along with the average salary for that location:

1. London - £30,358
2. Watford - £29,598
3. Glasgow - £28,759
4. Westminster - £27,873
5. Leeds - £27,743
6. Manchester - £26,089
7. Bristol - £25,630
8. Birmingham - £20,311
9. Liverpool - £18,760

What hours do you usually work as a barber?

Typically, you'll work 37-40 hours a week as a barber, depending on your availability and career goals. If you're working on shoots, fashion shows and at events, you may work more than these hours, but if you're self-employed or freelance, you'll also earn more.

As a barber, you’ll usually be expected to cover some late nights or weekends, but you'll be given that time back off during the week. For example, many salons and barber shops are closed on a Monday as they're open on a Saturday. If you're working later, you might start late or get time off the next day.

It does depend on the salon size, the number of staff vs clients and your availability. If you're self-employed or freelance, you can choose your hours more, which will correlate directly to how much you earn. This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on your motivation.

Should you be self-employed or employed as a barber?

Either being employed or self-employed as a barber comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. A lot of the time, the best option for you really will depend on your circumstances and goals. Here's what to consider when it comes to choosing how you're employed:

Pros of being employed as a barber:

• As an employee, you can typically expect to be paid regularly, which provides financial security and stability
• Depending on the employer, you might receive benefits such as health insurance, pension, paid time off and other perks
• As an employee, you don't have to worry about running the business, dealing with paperwork or managing expenses. Your primary focus is on providing quality services for your clients
• Larger barber shops or salons may offer opportunities for professional development, training and exposure to different types of clients

Cons of being employed as a barber:

• Some employers might have specific guidelines or restrictions on the services and products you can offer, limiting your creativity and style
• You may have less flexibility in setting your work schedule, which could be challenging if you have personal commitments or need time off
• Compared to being self-employed, your earning potential as an employee may be limited, especially if you're working on a commission or salary-based pay structure

Pros of being self-employed as a barber:

• As a self-employed barber, you have more control over your pricing, hours and business model, allowing you to potentially earn more money
• You can set your own working hours and take time off as needed, providing a better work-life balance
• Being self-employed allows you to shape your brand and style, offering services and products you believe in and attracting a loyal clientele
•  Owning and running your own business can be fulfilling and empowering, as you are responsible for your success

Cons of being self-employed as a barber:

• Self-employment comes with financial risks, especially during slow periods or economic downturns
• You'll need to handle administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, and customer service in addition to providing barber services
• Unlike traditional employment, you won't receive employer-provided benefits, and you'll need to manage your insurance, retirement, and other benefits
• Starting a barber shop or salon requires an initial investment in equipment, supplies, and possibly renting a space

Is being a barber for you?

Really, that's a question that only you can answer. It depends on your interests, skills, opportunities, and willingness to learn, develop and grow in the industry. It also depends on how, when and where you want to work.

Barbering in the UK is a profession that embraces artistry, creativity and entrepreneurship. However, the income of barbers varies depending on location, experience and what type of place you work in. There are opportunities to grow your business and earnings by generating extra income or going it alone.

Before starting your barbering career, research and find out if you can see yourself in the industry. Ultimately, passion for the craft, dedication, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential elements for any barber looking to thrive.

Specialist barber insurance through Ripe

Now that you know how much you can make as a barber, you may want to get specialist insurance once you qualify to protect your business. 

Specialist barber insurance arranged by Ripe includes up to £10m Public and Products Liability cover and up to £5m Treatment Risk cover as standard. You can also add cover for your equipment up to the value of £250k, so you don’t have to replace it out of your own pocket if it’s damaged or stolen. 

Discover more about how we can help here, or get an instant online quote today.