Barber salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Barbers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn a median of $49,700 a year ($23.89 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $34,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $71,930 for the top 10%. That is 30% higher than the national median of $38,210. Pay here is 24% lower than the Illinois statewide median of $65,430. The average (mean) salary is $50,240, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for barbers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,430 | $16.56 |
| 25th percentile | $34,610 | $16.64 |
| Median | $49,700 | $23.89 |
| 75th percentile | $71,930 | $34.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $71,930 | $34.58 |
| Average (mean) | $50,240 | $24.16 |
Half of barbers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,141.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,070.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,911.54 |
| Weekly | $955.77 |
| Hourly | $23.89 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,700 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Barber salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $57,960 | 260 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $33,570 | 210 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $31,200 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for barbers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $77,430 |
| Illinois | $65,430 |
| Colorado | $61,500 |
| Washington | $61,150 |
| Iowa | $58,900 |
| New Jersey | $54,850 |
| Minnesota | $53,990 |
| Florida | $49,410 |
| North Dakota | $48,540 |
| Missouri | $47,880 |
See Barber pay in every state or the Illinois statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,260 | $16.47 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $38,100 | $18.32 |
| Shampooer | $35,990 | $17.30 |
| Childcare Worker | $36,610 | $17.60 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,170 | $16.43 |
| Animal Caretaker | $36,110 | $17.36 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,390 | $23.27 |
| Gambling Dealer | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,240 | $23.67 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,320 | $21.31 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-5011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a barber make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median salary for barbers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $49,700 a year, or $23.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $71,930 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid barbers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The top 10% of barbers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn at least $71,930 a year. The top 25% earn $71,930 or more.
What is the starting pay for barbers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,430 a year, and a quarter of barbers earn $34,610 or less.