Personal Care & Fitness Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Barber Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median barber salary in Columbia, MO is $31,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$31,451
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,289
Cost of Living
88%

Barber Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median barber salary of $31,451, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $31,451. Compared to the national median of $35,740, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $31,451 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for barbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for barbers in Columbia spans from $20,240 at the 10th percentile to $54,560 at the 90th percentile — a $34,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,000, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,040. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Barber Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level barber earns around $22,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,560
$-4,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $20,240
25th Percentile $24,640
Median (50th) $31,451
75th Percentile $42,240
90th Percentile $54,560

Barber Salary in Other Missouri Cities

How to Become a Barber in Columbia

Education

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

Find Barber Jobs in Columbia

Browse open barber positions in Columbia, MO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Columbia

How much does a Barber make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median barber salary in Columbia, Missouri is $31,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $20,240 (10th percentile) to $54,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,451, a barber in Columbia earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for barber pay? ▼
Columbia's median barber salary of $31,451 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $31,451. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a barber salary of $31,451 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Columbia? ▼
Most barber positions in Columbia 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.