NAICS 812111 Quarterly Industry Report
Barber Shops
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 812111Sector: Other Services (except Public Administration) (81)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Barber Shops (NAICS 812111) draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[5] NAICS classification, Bureau of Labor Statistics[9] employment and wage statistics, FRED Economic Data[6] revenue figures, and DataUSA[7] geographic analysis. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, lenders, and barber shop owners with classification context and market intelligence for assessing barbering businesses. Additional data is drawn from SBA[10].. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the barber shops industry.
NAICS Sector
81
Other Services (except Public Administration)
Industry Definition & Overview
Barber Shops (NAICS 812111) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling men's and boys' hair, as well as shaving and beard trimming services Census Bureau NAICS 812111[5]. The U.S. barber shop industry achieved an estimated market size of about $5.8 billion in 2024, with roughly 162,000 people employed across 143,000 establishments FRED Economic Data[6]. Traditional barbering has experienced a revival. Revenue grew 2.7% in 2024, reflecting steady demand.
The sector attracts both independent operators and small business owners. Individual barber earnings typically range from $40,000 to $100,000 annually, with top professionals earning over $150,000. Profit margins for established shops typically range from 10% to 20%, with diversified service portfolios achieving 25-35% margins. Startup costs range from $75,000 to $125,000 for a professionally equipped establishment. Rent typically represents 30-40% of monthly operating expenses.
Geographic concentration is notable, with California and New York leading in number of establishments DataUSA Barber Shops[7]. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[8], employment growth for barbers is projected at 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations. Median hourly wages reached $18.73 in May 2024 BLS OES[9]. All 50 states require barber licensing, with training requirements ranging from 900 to 1,800 clock hours depending on jurisdiction.
What's Included in This Industry
- Traditional men's haircutting and styling services
- Beard trimming and shaving services
- Hair shampooing and conditioning treatments
- Scalp treatments and grooming services
- Barbering services for boys and men of all ages
- Grooming product retail sales
- Hot towel services and facial grooming
- Hair coloring and tinting for men
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Other Services (except Public Administration) | 81 |
| Subsector | Personal and Laundry Services | 812 |
| Industry Group | Personal Care Services | 8121 |
| NAICS Industry | Hair, Nail, and Skin Care Services | 81211 |
| National Industry | Barber Shops | 812111 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 812112 | Beauty Salons | Beauty Salons provide haircutting, styling, coloring, and facial services primarily targeting women, representing the complementary personal care segment to barber shops which primarily serve men and boys. |
| 812113 | Nail Salons | Nail Salons provide specialized manicure, pedicure, and nail art services, operating within the same Personal Care Services industry group and sharing similar licensing frameworks with barber shops. |
| 611511 | Cosmetology and Barber Schools | Cosmetology and Barber Schools provide training, certification, and continuing education for barbers, serving as the primary workforce pipeline supplying newly licensed professionals to barber shop establishments. |
| 812191 | Diet and Weight Reducing Centers | Diet and Weight Reducing Centers and other personal care services overlap with barber shops in wellness offerings, though barber shops focus specifically on hair and grooming rather than broader wellness services. |
| 812199 | Other Personal Care Services | Other Personal Care Services encompasses electrolysis, tanning, and specialized grooming services, capturing emerging grooming categories that some full-service barber shops now offer alongside traditional barbering. |
| 424210 | Drugs and Druggists' Sundries Merchant Wholesalers | Drugs and druggists' sundries merchant wholesalers distribute grooming products, sanitizers, clippers, and professional supplies to barber shops, representing the primary wholesale supply channel for barbering establishments. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | 13.5% | 996 |
| 2 | Florida | 10.3% | 759 |
| 3 | California | 8.0% | 587 |
| 4 | New Jersey | 7.5% | 552 |
| 5 | Texas | 7.1% | 525 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 3.9% | 284 |
| 7 | Illinois | 3.6% | 267 |
| 8 | Virginia | 3.4% | 248 |
| 9 | Georgia | 3.0% | 218 |
| 10 | Colorado | 2.6% | 193 |
% Of Establishments
0%
14%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
1,960
Total SBA Loans
$370.0M
Total Loan Volume
$189K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.65%
Average Interest Rate
16,064
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The SBA size standard for NAICS 812111 (Barber Shops) is $9.5 million in annual receipts SBA Size Standards[11]. Barber shops at or below this threshold qualify as small businesses for SBA loan programs, federal contracting set-asides, and other assistance. SBA 7(a) loans and microloans can fund startup costs, equipment purchases, and working capital needs for new and existing barber shop operations. Additionally, 504/CDC loans[12] provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Huntington National Bank | 296 | $52.7M | $178K |
| 2 | Live Oak Banking Company | 40 | $39.4M | $986K |
| 3 | PNC Bank, National Association | 8 | $38.7M | $4.8M |
| 4 | Cache Valley Bank | 8 | $35.2M | $4.4M |
| 5 | KeyBank National Association | 56 | $17.9M | $320K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 812111?
NAICS 812111 covers establishments primarily engaged in cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling men's and boys' hair, as well as shaving and beard trimming. This includes traditional barbershops, men's hair stylist shops, and unisex establishments focused on men's grooming. Beauty salons primarily serving women are classified under 812112. Census Bureau NAICS 812111[5]
How is the barber shop industry structured?
The industry comprises about 143,000 establishments employing 162,000 people FRED Economic Data[6]. Most shops are independently owned small businesses, with solo operators and small teams dominating. Franchise models exist but represent a minority of establishments. Revenue grew 2.7% in 2024 with a five-year CAGR of 1.7%, reaching about $5.8 billion in market size.
What is the SBA size standard for barber shops?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 812111 is $9.5 million in annual receipts SBA Size Standards[11]. Virtually all barber shops fall below this threshold and qualify for SBA loan programs, federal contracting set-asides, and other small business assistance.
What NAICS codes are related to barber shops?
Related codes include 812112 (Beauty Salons), 812113 (Nail Salons), 611511 (Cosmetology and Barber Schools), 812191 (Diet and Weight Reducing Centers), 812199 (Other Personal Care Services), and 812190 (Other Personal Care Services). Each represents a segment of the broader personal care services industry.
Which industries work most closely with barber shops?
Beauty salons (812112) share the personal care market. Cosmetology schools (611511) supply trained barbers. Product wholesalers (424210) provide grooming supplies. Commercial landlords (531110) provide shop locations. Other personal care services (812199) represent adjacent offerings some shops now provide alongside traditional barbering.
What activities are included in NAICS 812111?
Activities include men's haircutting, beard trimming, shaving, shampooing, conditioning, scalp treatments, hot towel services, hair coloring for men, and grooming product retail sales. Some shops offer facial grooming and specialized treatments. Beauty salon services (hairstyling primarily for women), nail services, and spa treatments are classified separately. Census Bureau NAICS 812111[5]
Can you get an SBA loan for a barber shop?
Yes. Barber shops qualify for SBA programs including 7(a) loans for general business purposes, 504 loans for equipment and facility improvements, and microloans for startup costs. Startup capital requirements of $75,000 to $125,000 make SBA lending particularly relevant for new barber shop owners. Applicants should work with SBA-preferred lenders experienced in personal care businesses. SBA Loan Programs[13]
Which states have the highest concentration of barber shops?
California and New York lead in number of barber shop establishments DataUSA Barber Shops[7]. For barber wages, West Virginia ($49,172), Nevada ($45,586), and Arkansas ($43,490) offer the highest average annual compensation. Geographic distribution reflects population density, cost of living, and local demand for men's grooming services. BLS OES Barbers[9]
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Census Bureau NAICS 812111 census.gov
- [6]FRED Economic Data fred.stlouisfed.org
- [7]DataUSA Barber Shops datausa.io
- [8]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [9]BLS OES bls.gov
- [10]SBA sba.gov
- [11]SBA Size Standards sba.gov
- [12]504/CDC loans sba.gov
- [13]SBA Loan Programs sba.gov
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