If you're looking for a career that offers a great deal of flexibility without requiring years of college, consider enrolling in barber school. Barbers cut, trim, shampoo and style predominantly male hair, and some even provide shaving services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many barbers work flexible schedules, while about 44 percent are self employed. This makes the profession an ideal career for those who want to launch their own businesses or steer clear of rigid work schedules. All states mandate that barbers be licensed, a process that requires completing an accredited barber school program. These programs may require as little as nine months of study and result in barber degrees, diplomas or certificates. Students can often choose between campus-based and online barber schools. While you can complete some of the work required to get a barber degree online, the nature of the profession stills require a great deal of hands-on instruction. Barbers can boost their salary potential by investing in ongoing training that keeps them informed of the latest trends in hair design. Some even choose to become barber school instructors or state licensing examiners. National figures from the BLS shows barbers earned a median annual income of just over $24,000 in 2009 and the top paying states included North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii.
If you're looking for a career that offers a great deal of flexibility without requiring years of college, consider enrolling in barber school. Barbers cut, trim, shampoo and style predominantly male hair, a...
