Barber Shops in the US: Market Size, Businesses & Forecast 2026

The Barber Shops industry in the United States comprises personal care establishments primarily focused on cutting, styling, and grooming men's and boys' hair, as well as providing traditional shaving and beard-trimming services. The sector is moving toward broader grooming services and experiences to capture evolving consumer preferences for personal care. Official government figures demonstrate a steady footprint, with U.S. employer-firm revenue for barber shops reaching $1.8 billion in 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, alongside a projected occupational employment increase for barbers to 79,200 jobs by 2034 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Historical & forecast

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What does the Barber Shops in the US industry cover?

The industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing hair care and facial grooming services tailored predominantly to men and boys. Workers in this sector offer foundational personal care services including hair cutting, trimming, styling, shampooing, and chemical treatments, as well as specialized facial hair care such as straight-razor shaving and beard trimming. Establishments that primarily offer vocational training in these services are excluded from this specific industry scope and are classified under educational codes.

• •Identified formally under NAICS code 812111 (Barber Shops).
• •Includes specialized men's hair stylist shops and traditional multi-chair operations.
• •Excludes beauty salons (NAICS 812112) and cosmetology schools (NAICS 611511).

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The structural landscape of the industry is highly fragmented, dominated by non-employer establishments, sole proprietorships, and small independent operators. A vast majority of working barbers operate as independent contractors or self-employed workers who rent chairs or booths within established shops rather than receiving standard corporate payroll. While small employer firms exist, corporate consolidation remains minimal across the entire domestic marketplace.

• •According to the BLS, approximately 76% of all working barbers were self-employed in 2024.
• •The sector held a total of 76,000 distinct barber jobs across the United States in 2024.
• •Average structural footprint is characterized by single-unit properties with 1 to 4 employees per employer location.

What drives demand in the industry?

Consumer demand within the marketplace is driven heavily by personal grooming standards, population growth, and routine personal maintenance cycles. Because hair and beard growth necessitate ongoing maintenance, consumer spending remains relatively resilient against broader macroeconomic fluctuations compared to other discretionary luxury retail sectors. Furthermore, shifting demographic trends and the premiumization of men's personal care routines have expanded structural spending per transaction.

• •Routine structural requirements for hair maintenance provide stable recurring transaction volumes.
• •The BLS projects a 4% occupational growth rate specifically for barbers between 2024 and 2034.
• •An estimated 84,200 annual openings are projected across the broader hair care occupation through 2034, driven largely by labor replacement needs.

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

Competition within this sector is highly localized, based primarily on price, geographic proximity, service quality, and operator reputation. While independent neighborhood shops represent the core market share, several large corporate franchise networks and specialty chains actively operate national footprints across the United States. While many parent brands are privately held, these major corporate concepts compete heavily for consumer foot traffic and qualified, licensed labor.

• •Regis Corporation, a major publicly traded salon operator, has historically managed hair care concepts nationwide.
• •Great Clips, Inc. operates a massive national franchised footprint offering accessible, walk-in hair services.
• •Sport Clips, Inc. focuses on specialized sports-themed environments catering specifically to men and boys.
• •Roosters Men's Grooming Center operates as a premium franchised network providing traditional barbering experiences.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry has steadily recovered from the severe operational disruptions and temporary closures experienced during the turn of the decade. Growth is increasingly supported by the adoption of modern booking and point-of-sale software that streamlines scheduling for independent booth renters. The overall economic trajectory points toward steady, consistent demand aligned with historical consumer spending and population growth patterns.

• •U.S. employer-firm barber shop revenue grew from $1.47 billion in 2021 to $1.8 billion in 2022 per Census Bureau tracking.
• •The median hourly wage for barbers nationwide reached $18.73 as of May 2024.
• •Total barber employment is anticipated to rise by 3,100 net new jobs over the 2024-2034 decade.

How is the industry regulated?

Operators within this industry are subject to strict state-level regulatory oversight, health codes, and mandatory individual licensing requirements. Every U.S. state maintains an independent Board of Barbering and Cosmetology or a similar regulatory agency to enforce sanitation standards and consumer protections. Compliance guidelines require strict adherence to chemical handling, tool sterilization, and continuous facility inspections.

• •All 50 states require barbers to be individually licensed before performing services for the public.
• •Candidates must graduate from a state-approved barbering program to qualify for mandatory licensing exams.
• •Establishments must adhere to state occupational safety guidelines and routine sanitation inspections.

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• U.S. Census Bureau Annual Services Report 2022 ·
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024 ·
• U.S. Office of Management and Budget NAICS Manual