How Much To Tip Barbers
Is it time for you to get a haircut or a beard trim at your favorite neighborhood barber’s? In this article, we will go through barber tipping etiquette so that you can confidently tip your barber.
According to the US Government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 12,910 barbers in the United States. On average, they earn $17.16 per hour which includes tips and commission. This can is a bit misleading as wages depend on location. If your barber is in Washington state, the average barber wage is $26.91 per hour but in other states is closer to $10 per hour. Remember, these numbers include tips and commission, which can make up the majority of your barber’s income.
How Are Barbers Paid?
Barbers either work on a commission basis or they rent a chair at a barbershop.
If your barber works on a commission basis, they’ll get to keep a part of the cost of your haircut with the rest going to the barbershop owner. Typical commission splits range from 70% to the barber and 30% to the owner to 40% to the barber and 60% to the owner. It just depends. To put this in numbers, if your barber charges you $15 for your haircut, they’ll get to keep $6 to $10.50, depending on their commission arrangement. While that might seem like a lot for a quick haircut, there are also times when they have to be at the shop but there are no customers. When there are no customers in their barber chair, they don’t get paid.
If your barber rents a chair at a barbershop, they pay the owner a weekly or monthly rental fee. This is also referred to as ‘renting a booth’. While it depends on the location, it’s possible for a barber to make more money this way once he has built up a loyal clientele. Until he’s got the clients, though, it’s a risky move that can see him earning less than if he worked on commission.
Do You Tip Barbers?
Tipping barbers is both customary and expected in the United States. You don’t have to tip, but it’s considered a common courtesy. If you don’t tip, it means that you thought the haircut was bad or you received poor service. If you go back to the same barber every time you get your hair cut, don’t necessarily expect to have a great relationship with your barber if you don’t tip.
How Much To Tip Barbers For a Haircut?
A customary tip for barbers is 15 to 20 percent of the cost of the haircut. That means on a $15 haircut, you should add a tip of $2.25 to $3.00 for good service. In the past, tipping was 10% but that’s no longer considered a good tip. Times and expectations have changed.
How Much To Tip For a Beard Trim?
Getting a beard trim along with a haircut? Or just the beard trim? In either case, tip 15 to 20% of the total bill. It doesn’t matter if you only had the beard trimmed and the total bill is low, you should tip on the total amount only. Some sites run by barbers suggest tipping more when you only get a beard trim, but that’s neither required nor expected.
How should I Leave The Tip?
If paying by credit card, you can add your tip directly to the bill at the cash register. If you’re paying for the haircut in cash or don’t want to leave a tip on your card, barbers will always appreciate cash tips.
Should I give My Barber a Special Tip During The Holiday Season?
Yes, holiday tipping is actually a thing for those who have a regular barber. You don’t have to give your barber a tip at Christmas, but it will be appreciated.
How Much To Tip a Barber at Christmas?
You can tip up to the cost of 1 haircut or buy them a small gift, such as a gift card.
Barber Tip Calculator
Check out our very own barber tip calculator. It makes tipping your barber simple.