This role has a moderate level of AI exposure. AI can enhance efficiency for some tasks, but this job still relies on human skills and decision-making.
Explore all careersBarbers cut and style men's hair, shave beards, and offer grooming services while managing appointments, selling products, and maintaining equipment.
Get qualified to work as a Barber with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
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In Australia, a full time Barber generally earns $1,250 per week ($65,000 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience can you expect a higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Opportunities for Barbers in Australia are expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years as more than 31,000 new jobs for hairdressers and barbers open up around the country. Barbers traditionally work in men’s barber shops, but can also find employment with hair and beauty salons, day spas, cruise ships, upmarket hotels and resorts.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Barbers usually get started by completing an apprenticeship working under a qualified Barber. To prepare yourself for an apprenticeship try completing a VET qualification such as the Certificate II in Salon Assistant or Certificate III in Barbering. An apprenticeship can take 3-4 years to complete.
Barbers style and cut men’s hair and traditionally worked from a barber shop displaying the famous red, white, and blue swirled poles outside. As a barber you won’t just be cutting hair though, your work day could also include shaving beards, shampooing hair, massaging, grooming, and applying colouring treatments.
When not cutting and styling hair, a savvy barber will also be found arranging appointments, ordering supplies, selling hair and skin products, processing financial transactions, and keeping equipment clean and sanitised. As a qualified barber you could open your own barbershop or mobile barbering service.