Barber, Salon & Cosmetology Jobs Are Growing Faster Than Average

Ever curious how the beauty industry is doing from a job security perspective? Good news for beauty pros—your industry is thriving! The beauty and barber industries are experiencing rapid growth, driven by evolving trends, digital transformation, and shifting consumer behaviors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [1], employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7% through 2033—faster than the average for most occupations.

Don’t be fooled by that single digit percentage growth—this translates to an estimated 45,300 new jobs over the next decade, with around 89,100 job openings each year when factoring in retirement and career transitions! Clients are seeking beauty services, and skilled professionals are needed to meet those demands.

So, what’s causing this growth? And how can you take advantage of it? Let’s break it down:

Why the Beauty Industry is Growing

The lipstick effect is real—no matter the economy, people still want to look good and feel their best. The U.S. had 649,400 barber, hairstylist, and cosmetology jobs in 2023, and as the population grows, so does the need for their services.

The 2025 Vagaro Vantage Report, reveals that lash and brow services have seen a major surge, accounting for 71% of Vagaro Marketplace searches from January to September, with brow services making up the other 29%. Services that require regular maintenance, like lash fills and brow touch-ups, keep clients coming back, making them lucrative niches for beauty professionals.

Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, beauty trends spread fast. Viral trends like “expensive brunette” hair color, nail art designs, and scalp facials are inspiring more clients to book appointments. Seasonal spikes like fall nail trends or Valentines Day-inspired beauty packages are also major revenue drivers. In 2025, Valentine’s Day spending reached $25.9 billion, with experience-based gifts (like salon service) gaining popularity.

Diversity, Inclusivity & Female Entrepreneurship Are on the Rise

The industry is also evolving to be more inclusive and diverse. Women-owned businesses on Vagaro grew by 37% from 2022 to 2023. More salons are catering to neurodivergent clients and LGBTQIA+ communities, creating safe, welcoming spaces that foster client loyalty.

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Expanding Services = More Opportunities

Today’s beauty businesses go beyond just haircuts. From skincare to scalp treatments to men’s grooming and specialized color services, the industry is evolving fast. More services mean more job openings for trained professionals and higher earning potential for those who specialize.

Celebrity Barber John Mosley, Founder & CEO of Popular Nobody, highlights this shift:

“There is a shift in what's happening in the barber space to want more than just simple haircuts. You see a lot of men—even myself—I have longer hair now with my locs, and I still get tapered and my beard trimmed. But that’s not just a ‘haircut’ service. I definitely see a rise in different hair services being sought after.”

How To Capitalize on the Movement

With the industry growing, competition is rising too. Salons, barbershops, and independent beauty professionals must stay ahead by leveling up their skills and embracing business strategies that set them apart. Here’s a few ways you can take advantage of this growth:

Offer Apprenticeships & Mentorships:

Help train the next generation of beauty pros. Many states allow apprenticeships as a path to getting licensed. Mentorship not only strengthens the industry but also fosters a collaborative, non-competitive environment.

Hire Fresh Talent

While the influx of professionals may increase competition, it also creates opportunities to hire new talent. Top-tier professionals become more accessible, and fresh talent can be trained without pre-existing habits, allowing businesses to shape high-quality service providers.

Invest in Continued Education

Take advanced courses in cutting, coloring, extensions, or business management to stay competitive. Attending trade shows and beauty expos keeps you up to date on trends and techniques.

Expand your services

Consider adding new offerings like scalp care, wellness treatments, or makeup services to attract more clients. Keeping an eye on social media trends and forecasts will give you a competitive edge.

Leverage Technology & Increase Visibility

The beauty industry is booming, and technology is fueling its growth. AI, automation, and digital booking tools help salons scale, attract clients, and increase revenue. According to the 2025 Vagaro Vantage Report, 2 in 3 beauty pros say AI streamlines operations, while 75% prioritize scalability.

With more professionals entering the industry, standing out is essential. Vagaro helps businesses gain visibility through the Vagaro Marketplace, where clients search for services, read reviews, and book appointments instantly. Our advanced marketing tools, including email and text campaigns, help pros retain clients and reach new audiences. Plus, with the new Amazon Alexa integration, booking is easier than ever. Clients can schedule appointments just by using their voice!

Is Now the Time to Open a Second Location?

With demand rising, this may be the perfect opportunity to expand your business. If you’re an established salon owner, opening a second location can allow you to serve more clients while strengthening your brand presence.

Vagaro’s multi-location and enterprise features make managing multiple locations seamless. Sync calendars, track revenue, and oversee staff performance from a single dashboard, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all locations. With increased demand for beauty services, expanding now could set you up for long-term success.

The Beauty Industry is Built to Last

If these growth projections tell us anything, it’s that beauty isn’t going anywhere. Even in uncertain times, salons and barbershops have proven their resilience.

Now is the time to take advantage of the momentum—refine your skills, embrace new trends, and grow your business in this thriving industry.

Resources:

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-1
https://mysite.vagaro.com/annualvantagereport2025/
https://www.cosmetology-license.com/cosmetology-apprenticeships/