Personal Care & Fitness Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Barber Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median barber salary in Philadelphia, PA is $36,455 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$36,455
vs State Avg
+$2,145
vs National
+$715
Cost of Living
102%

Barber Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median barber salary of $36,455, which is $2,145 above the Pennsylvania state average of $34,310. Compared to the national median of $35,740, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $23,460 at the 10th percentile to $63,240 at the 90th percentile — a $39,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,500, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,160. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Barber Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level barber earns around $25,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,500
+$500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,740
+$740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,160
+$1,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $23,460
25th Percentile $28,560
Median (50th) $36,455
75th Percentile $48,960
90th Percentile $63,240

Barber Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$33,596
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$33,238
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$31,451
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$30,022
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Barber in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Barber Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open barber positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Barber make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median barber salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $36,455 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $23,460 (10th percentile) to $63,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,455, a barber in Philadelphia earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for barber pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median barber salary of $36,455 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $34,310. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a barber salary of $36,455 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Philadelphia? ▼
Most barber positions in Philadelphia 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.