Michigan Occupational Information System
#067 - BARBER  

Barbers cut and trim hair to satisfy each customer according to the customer's request or current hair styles.  

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Barbers may:

Cut, trim, and taper hair  

Dye, shampoo, sing, or style hair  

Shape the neckline and sideburns  

Shave facial and neck areas  

Apply hairdressing and lotion  

Massage scalp, neck, and face  

Give advice on hair and scalp care  

Curl hair or apply permanents  

Keep the work area clean and sanitize all work aids  

The tools, equipment, and materials used include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Barbers may specialize in these areas:

330.371-010 BARBERS cut hair to satisfy each customer according to the customer's request or current hair styles.  

187.167-058 BARBER OR BEAUTY SHOP MANAGERS may perform the duties of a Barber as well as maintain shop business records and supervise training of others.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:  

074 COSMETOLOGIST  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Barbers work alone or with other Barbers and are in constant contact with the public. They work in well lighted, well-ventilated shops. While cutting hair, Barbers must stand with arms extended at shoulder level for long periods. They must be careful to protect themselves and customers from cuts, infections from the scissors or razor. They must also avoid burns from hot towels or hair dryers.  

Most full-time Barbers work more than 40 hours a week. A workweek of more than 50 hours is not uncommon. In shops open six days a week, Barbers may receive a day off during the week. Although Saturdays, lunch hours, and days before holidays are generally very busy, a Barber may have some time off during slack periods. To assure an even workload, some Barbers ask customers to make appointments.  

Barbers buy their own tools, including razors, scissors, clippers, combs, and brushes at a cost of $350 while they are in Barber school. Barbers who go into business for themselves buy or rent shops and install equipment. Supplying a one-chair shop with new equipment averaged about $7,000 in 1996. Shop owners may buy used equipment at reduced prices. Many Barbers rent or lease a chair in a barbershop.  

In some shops, union membership is required. Barbers that belong to unions must pay union dues. Some Barbers belong to The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (AFL-CIO).  

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving business contact with people  

• Activities of a creative nature  

• Working indoors  

You Should Be Able To:

• Make decisions based on personal judgment  

• Work well with others  

• See differences in shapes and colors  

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy  

• Keep up with current cutting and styling techniques  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a customer owes $8.50 for a hair cut and he gives you $20.00, how much money will the customer receive in change?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Should be able to read and comprehend solution warnings and specifications.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Prepare an order form for a new supply of shampoo.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:  

Should be detail oriented in cutting and trimming hair according to the request of customers.

Individuals who use the title "Barber" must be licensed.  Click  here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Barber, for specific licensing information.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES  

NOTE: This occupation does not require a High School Diploma. On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1400 FASHION , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

013 COSMETOLOGIST

Approved vocational education programs in Cosmetology prepare students to care for and beautify hair, complexion, and hands by giving shampoos; styling, setting, cutting, dyeing, and permanently waving hair; and giving facials and manicures. Instruction emphasizes hygiene, sanitation, and customer relations and qualifies students for licensing examinations.  

Courses in other secondary vocational education programs may be required for completion of this program.  

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

019 BARBER

Barber Programs provide opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become licensed Barbers.  

Michigan Barber Schools must be licensed by the Michigan State Board of Barber Examiners, 611 W. Ottawa, Lansing, Michigan 48909 (517-373-0580). Upon successful completion of the program of study at one of these licensed schools, the student is eligible to participate in the "Apprentice Examination." Students passing this examination must then complete a 2-year apprenticeship under a licensed Michigan Barber and apply for a Michigan Barbering License.  

The requirements for entering Barber Schools vary according to the school. See the MOIS Postsecondary School File for individual school requirements.  

Alma's Barber School  

20001 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48821  

Phone: 313-341-9613  

Barber/Styling College of Lansing  

2101 N. East Street, Lansing, MI 48906  

Phone: 517-482-8083  

Detroit Barber College, Inc.  

13901 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126  

Phone: 313-581-3211  

Flint Institute of Barbering, Inc.  

3214 Flushing Road, Flint, MI 48504  

Phone: 313-232-4711  

Highland Park Barber College  

13321 Hamilton Ave., Detroit, MI 48203  

Phone: 313-252-0491  

Michigan Barber College  

8990 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48204  

Phone: 313-894-2300  

Saginaw Barber College  

P.O. Box 423 Saginaw, MI 48601  

Phone: 517-752-9261  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

067 BARBER

Most people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.  

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

Most people enter this occupation by first completing 2,000 hours of instruction at a licensed Barber School.  

Business Management  

Preparation for State Board Exam  

Study of Muscles and Nerves  

Head, Face and Neck Massage  

Histology of Hair/Skin/Nails  

History and Fundamentals of Barbering  

Diseases of Skin/Hair/Glands/Nails  

Anatomy & Physiology  

Structure of Face/Head/Neck  

Elementary Chemistry Relating To Bacteriology and Hygiene  

Elementary Chemistry Relating To Sterilization, Sanitation  

Barber Laws and Rules Governing the Practice of Barbering in Michigan  

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no military training programs related to this MOIScript    

E-Learning Courses and Programs    

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Since Barbers must be licensed, exploration opportunities are limited. High school vocational programs in cosmetology and post-secondary programs in barbering may provide experience. Training and experience can be obtained in military services and through a formal apprenticeship program.  

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Barber employer  

internships  

volunteer work with a Barber employer  

community service work with an agency  

Persons seeking work as Barbers may find assistance from placement offices of barber schools, a local union, and local offices of Michigan Works!. Barbers may also find jobs by applying directly to employers. Newspaper want ads often list openings. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:        

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal  

Classifieds Employment  

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.  

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

Earnings of Barbers vary depending on competition, size, and location of the shop; skill and personality of the Barber; and prices charged in the area. Barbers who are not self-employed are usually paid straight commission of 60 to 70 percent of their individual receipts. A few Barbers are paid a straight salary. Barbers may also receive income from tips.  

Nationally, the median weekly earnings of Barbers were about $392 in 1998. Many experienced Barbers and hairstylists earned over $500 a week. Some Barbers who operate their own shops earned over $750 a week.  

Barbers employed by the State of Michigan earned from $506 to $656 per week in 1999.  

Earnings for Barbers working in Michigan are comparable to national earnings. Most are self-employed. Barbers working in nonunion shops may work entirely on commission without a guaranteed minimum.  

Some Barbers, especially those who belong to unions, receive paid vacations, holidays, and hospitalization insurance.  

Advancement for Barbers is usually limited to wage increases. Barbers may become shop owners or Managers. Experience, skill, and business ability are important factors affecting advancement and success.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, about 59,500 Barbers were employed in 1996. Employment is expected to decline through the year 2006. About 74.0% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Barbers looked like this:  

Opportunities are better for hairstylists than for conventional Barbers. Although Barbers have a strong attachment to their occupation, most job openings will result from the need to replace those who retire or stop working for other reasons.  

There are approximately 1,575 Barbers employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas. Most Barbers worked in barbershops, but some worked for government agencies and hospitals. The employment of Barbers in Michigan is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 50 openings is expected annually to replace those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings may occur as Barbers change jobs or occupations. There were about 7,300 licensed Barbers in Michigan in early 1999, although not all of them were actively working in this occupation. Barbers with broad skills will have the best opportunities in the larger, full-service shops.  

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

SUMMARY PROFILE  

The occupation of Barber can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development