Between 2004 and 2009, this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations in Washington. Employment is projected to increase 8.8% during this period. It is estimated that there will be 41 openings annually due to new positions and 68 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation.

Between 2009 and 2014, this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations in Washington. Employment is projected to increase 6.1% during this period. It is estimated that there will be 31 openings annually due to new positions and 74 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation.

Nationally, the number of jobs for barbers is expected to grow more slowly than average through the year 2014.

Since hairstylists work on both male and female customers' hair, barbers are losing many of their younger customers to hairstylists. As older male customers who are barbers' current customers lose their hair or die, the demand for barbers' services will go down.

Source: WOIS October 13, 2006, Occupations: Barbers, http://www.wois.org/use/occs/viewer.cfm?occnum=100018