Personal Care & Fitness Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Barber Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median barber salary in Reading, PA is $31,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$31,451
vs State Avg
$-2,859
vs National
$-4,289
Cost of Living
88%

Barber Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median barber salary of $31,451, which is $2,859 below the Pennsylvania state average of $34,310. Compared to the national median of $35,740, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading'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 Reading an attractive option for barbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for barbers in Reading 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. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Barber Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, 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 Reading, PA

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

Barber Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$36,455
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$33,596
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$33,238
Pop. 302,971
Erie, PA
$30,022
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Barber in Reading

Education

Most barber positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Reading 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in Reading

Browse open barber positions in Reading, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Reading

How much does a Barber make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median barber salary in Reading, Pennsylvania 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 Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,451, a barber in Reading earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for barber pay? ▼
Reading's median barber salary of $31,451 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $34,310. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a barber salary of $31,451 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Reading? ▼
Most barber positions in Reading 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.