A career as a barber can be very rewarding, especially if you have a gift for styling hair and interacting with diverse groups of people. For this position, you must have a high school diploma and complete a state-licensed barber program. You must also take an exam administered by your state to become licensed as a barber. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, barbers earned an average salary of $25,090 in May 2012. They work in a variety of settings including barbershops, salons, spas and hotels. Employers look for barbers with good customer service skills and the ability to create new hairstyles for their customers.