Personal Care & Fitness San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Barber Salary in San Francisco, California

The median barber salary in San Francisco, CA is $65,047 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$65,047
vs State Avg
+$15,726
vs National
+$29,307
Cost of Living
182%

Barber Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median barber salary of $65,047, which is $15,726 above the California state average of $49,321. Compared to the national median of $35,740, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $65,047 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,740. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for barbers in San Francisco spans from $41,860 at the 10th percentile to $112,840 at the 90th percentile — a $70,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,500, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,560. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Barber Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level barber earns around $45,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,500
+$20,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,340
+$30,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,560
+$47,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $41,860
25th Percentile $50,960
Median (50th) $65,047
75th Percentile $87,360
90th Percentile $112,840

Barber Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$60,043
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$52,180
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$50,751
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$42,173
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Barber in San Francisco

Education

Most barber positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

HaircuttingShavingClient ConsultationSanitationStylingBusiness Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open barber positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Barber make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median barber salary in San Francisco, California is $65,047 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $41,860 (10th percentile) to $112,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,047, a barber in San Francisco earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for barber pay? ▼
San Francisco's median barber salary of $65,047 is 31.9% above the California state average of $49,321. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a barber salary of $65,047 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in San Francisco? ▼
Most barber positions in San Francisco require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Haircutting, Shaving, Client Consultation, Sanitation. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.