Personal Care & Fitness Des Moines, IA Pop. 214,133

Barber Salary in Des Moines, Iowa

The median barber salary in Des Moines, IA is $32,881 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$32,881
vs State Avg
+$1,072
vs National
$-2,859
Cost of Living
92%

Barber Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)

Des Moines offers a median barber salary of $32,881, which is $1,072 above the Iowa state average of $31,809. Compared to the national median of $35,740, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for barbers in Des Moines spans from $21,160 at the 10th percentile to $57,040 at the 90th percentile — a $35,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,000, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,360. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Barber Salary in Des Moines by Experience

In Des Moines, an entry-level barber earns around $23,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,040
$-2,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,360
$-4,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA

Percentile Des Moines
10th Percentile $21,160
25th Percentile $25,760
Median (50th) $32,881
75th Percentile $44,160
90th Percentile $57,040

Barber Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Barber in Des Moines

Education

Most barber positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa 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 Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in Des Moines

Browse open barber positions in Des Moines, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Des Moines

How much does a Barber make in Des Moines, IA? ▼
The median barber salary in Des Moines, Iowa is $32,881 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $21,160 (10th percentile) to $57,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Des Moines? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,881, a barber in Des Moines earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Des Moines compare to the Iowa state average for barber pay? ▼
Des Moines's median barber salary of $32,881 is 3.4% above the Iowa state average of $31,809. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA? ▼
Des Moines has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a barber salary of $32,881 in Des Moines has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Des Moines? ▼
Most barber positions in Des Moines 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.