Personal Care & Fitness Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Barber Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median barber salary in Owensboro, KY is $29,307 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$29,307
vs State Avg
$-1,787
vs National
$-6,433
Cost of Living
82%

Barber Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median barber salary of $29,307, which is $1,787 below the Kentucky state average of $31,094. Compared to the national median of $35,740, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $29,307 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for barbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for barbers in Owensboro spans from $18,860 at the 10th percentile to $50,840 at the 90th percentile — a $31,980 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,500, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,560. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Barber Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level barber earns around $20,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,340
$-6,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,560
$-10,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $18,860
25th Percentile $22,960
Median (50th) $29,307
75th Percentile $39,360
90th Percentile $50,840

Barber Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$33,238
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$32,881
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$31,451
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$30,022
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Barber in Owensboro

Education

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

Find Barber Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open barber positions in Owensboro, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Barber make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median barber salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $29,307 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $18,860 (10th percentile) to $50,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,307, a barber in Owensboro earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for barber pay? ▼
Owensboro's median barber salary of $29,307 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $31,094. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a barber salary of $29,307 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Owensboro? ▼
Most barber positions in Owensboro 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.