How Long Does IT Take to Graduate From Barber College?
Are you interested in becoming a barber? Are you wondering how long it'll take to receive the education and training you need to start your career? Read on to find answers about barber education and training. Schools offering Aromatherapy degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Barbers Defined
Barbers specialize in cutting and styling the hair of male clients. As a barber, you provide facial shavings, hair shampooing, hair trimming, hair cutting and hair styling. In some cases, you might work with hairpieces and toupees at the request of a customer. You may also provide hair bleaching, hair highlights and hair coloring to your clients. To compete with cosmetologists, you may learn to provide skin care and nail treatments.
Education
Barber education and training programs are offered at barber colleges, and community and technical colleges. The program length is dependent on the number of class hours you must complete for licensure in your state. Programs generally last from 10-15 months and include approximately 1,500 class hours. In some cases, you may be able to take on extra coursework to speed up the graduation process.
Courses
Your curriculum in barber school will include practical hair styling, state laws and regulations, hygiene, tool maintenance, professional ethics and business operation. Specific classes you'll complete include anatomy, physiology, razor cutting, bacteriology, sanitation, hair cutting and hair treatments. You'll begin by practicing on mannequins, and later in your program you may have the opportunity to practice on live volunteers.
Supplies
When you enter into a program, you may have to purchase your own barber's kit. This set of tools you'll need includes scissors, razors and other hair care supplies. In some cases, internships or apprenticeships are available before or after graduation. These experiences allow you to obtain live work experience in the industry under the guidance of a trained professional.
Licensure
State licensure is required to work as a barber. Each state has different requirements, but in most states you must possess a high school diploma or GED, graduate from a state approved training program and pass a state licensing examination to obtain a barber's license. Licensure exams typically require both a practical demonstration and a written test.
Job Outlook and Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) noted that barbers were expected to see a 12% growth in employment from 2008-2018. This projection suggested that the job outlook was favorable for entry-level workers. Top paying positions are coveted in this field and you'll see a lot of job competition for them. The states with the highest concentration of workers for barbers were Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Texas.
The BLS reported that barbers had a median annual wage of $24,160 in May 2009 (www.bls.gov). In comparison, Salary.com reported noted in April 2011 that the median income for a barber was $27,700. Barbers who were in the top ten percent of wage estimates earned $42,610 or more a year, according to the BLS. The top three paying industries for barbers were the local government, psychiatric hospitals and personal care services.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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