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More Than a Haircut: Why Barbering Is a Creative, Profitable Career Path Worth Considering

Updated: Jul 14


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By Sam Ettaro for Put Tools in Schools


In a world that often pushes a one-size-fits-all path through four-year college degrees, the story of Stephen Smith and his barbershop in Mint Hill, North Carolina, is a refreshing reminder that success, happiness, and fulfillment can be found outside the traditional academic route.


Stephen has been cutting hair at Mint Hill Barber Shop since 1997. That’s over 27 years of building a business, supporting a family, serving a community, and mentoring others—all with a pair of clippers in hand. And his message is simple: barbering is more than a job. It’s a craft, a community, and a calling.


Barbering: A Hands-On Career That Pays

Stephen chose barber school because it offered a faster path to income than college. “I wanted to get married, start a life,” he recalls. “Barbering got me there in a year.”


He's not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for barbers in 2023 was $36,960, with many experienced professionals earning far more, especially those who own their shops or build loyal clientele. Better yet, the barbering and cosmetology field is projected to grow 8% by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.


And unlike many career paths, barbering allows for entrepreneurship from day one. Graduates can rent a chair, start their own shop, or eventually open multiple locations. The barrier to entry is low: most states require around 1,000 to 1,500 hours of training and a licensing exam—all of which can be completed in about a year.


Women in Barbering: Breaking Barriers, Building Careers

Barbering has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, but that’s changing—and fast.


Stephen employs four female barbers, and he says they’ve been some of his most consistent and talented team members. “They show up, do a great job, and the community accepts and supports them fully,” he shares. “It’s no longer the ‘good ol’ boys’ club—it’s a real opportunity for everyone.”


One of those barbers, Amber Tweed, has been cutting hair for five years. Her advice to students: “Follow your heart. Some people look down on this work, but if you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” And happiness, it turns out, is a core theme among everyone interviewed at Mint Hill Barber Shop.


Another team member, Corrine, reflected on her journey through cosmetology school, only to realize midway that barbering was her true passion. “I didn’t even know I could work in a barbershop as a cosmetologist,” she says. “But now I cut hair full time—and I love it.”


Creativity, Communication, and Confidence

Beyond income and flexibility, barbering appeals to a wide range of personalities and passions.


“Barbering is creative,” Stephen says. “It’s art. And when I talk to students, I ask: ‘Do you like art? Do you like working with your hands?’ Most say yes. Well, that’s what this is. You’re sculpting, shaping—it’s hands-on imagination.”


But cutting hair is only half the job. “The most important thing in a barbershop,” Stephen emphasizes, “is communication. You’re building relationships. These aren’t just clients—they become friends. You’re with them for weddings, funerals, kids’ first cuts, and everything in between.”


In other words, barbering is a people business. It develops soft skills like active listening, professionalism, and empathy—traits that are increasingly valued in today’s service-oriented economy.


Apprenticeship: Learning the Business Side of the Chair

Many barbers enter the profession through apprenticeships, an age-old tradition that continues to thrive. After graduating from barber school, new barbers typically complete a one-year apprenticeship under a licensed master barber.


“It’s where you learn the business,” Stephen says. “Things they don’t teach you in school—like building clientele, managing time, setting prices, and staying consistent.”


That consistency, he says, is non-negotiable. “If you say you’re open at 9, be there. Your word is your bond. That’s how you build trust—and that’s how you build a business.”


Trades Education Is Career Education

As college debt continues to soar—the average student loan debt in the U.S. is over $37,000—more students and parents are looking to trades as a practical, rewarding alternative.


Organizations like Put Tools in Schools are helping raise awareness about trade careers by connecting students with real professionals, like Stephen and his team. Through community support, events, and local mentorship, they’re building bridges to careers that are too often overlooked.


Stephen’s advice to students is simple: “If you think this might be for you, visit a barber school. Talk to barbers. Ask questions. Make the call. That first step is the hardest—but once you take it, everything falls into place.”


Conclusion: A Career With Purpose and Joy

Stephen summed it up best: “I couldn’t work in a cubicle. This job—it’s not really work. You talk to people, hear stories, laugh, and get paid to make people look and feel good. What’s better than that?”


In a world that often chases titles, prestige, or the next promotion, barbering offers something much more valuable: freedom, fulfillment, and connection.


So whether you're a student exploring your next move or a parent helping your teen find their way, don’t overlook the barbershop. It might just be the start of something great. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO:

terested in exploring a trade like barbering?

Check out your state’s licensed barbering programs, apprenticeship opportunities, or visit a local barbershop like Mint Hill Barber Shop to ask questions and observe the craft in action.


Sources:

Get Involved

  • Volunteer at a local school

  • Sign up your company for career day programs

  • Donate to help expand trade awareness efforts

Or, if you’re a student ready to trade the classroom for hands-on success, reach out. The shovel’s waiting.

🛠 Put Tools in Schools is building tomorrow’s workforce today—one trade at a time.📻 Catch more stories like Sean’s every Saturday morning on “About Your House” on Fox Sports Charlotte.


Support the mission by donating or volunteering at www.puttoolsinschools.org.




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