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The differences between cosmetologists and barbers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a barber has an average salary of $40,305, which is higher than the $37,122 average annual salary of a cosmetologist.
The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a barber are work ethic, customer service, and clips.
| Cosmetologist | Barber | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $40,305 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $19.38 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 2,823 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | 4 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A cosmetologist specializes in offering various services ranging from haircuts, makeup, skin and hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, and even shaving beards. They must have extensive knowledge and experience on the subject, plus keep up with current trends. Although most clients relay their preferred styling, a cosmetologist may also provide options and suggestions according to a client's hair condition or facial structure. Furthermore, a cosmetologist must have a strong client base, which is why one must build rapport and prioritize customer satisfaction.
Barbers are individuals who provide hair services like trimming, cutting, grooming, shaving, and shampooing. Oftentimes, barbers assist the customers by walk-in or prebooked appointments for hair care. They use combs, scissors, clippers, and hair blowers to cut and style hair. As barbers, they welcome their clients and consult with them for their desired hairstyles. They even offer suggestions and recommendations for hairstyling. The skills necessary for this job are exceptional customer relations and service skills, communication skills, and the ability to follow instructions.
Cosmetologists and barbers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Barber | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $40,305 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $30,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | Chicago, IL |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Anthony | Life Care Centers of America |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Professional |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a barber in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Barber | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | High School Diploma, 38% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Cosmetology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and barbers' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Barber | |
| Average age | 40 | 38 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 74.9% Female, 25.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 6.8% Unknown, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 22.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 8% |