Explore how your federal experience as a Barbering (GS-7603) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Junior Barber, Apprentice Barber, Barber Associate | Assists in providing basic barbering services such as haircuts, shaves, and beard trims. Maintains tools and equipment, ensures cleanliness of the work area, and helps in customer service. | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| 5-7 | Barber, Salon Technician, Barbering Specialist | Performs a range of barbering services including haircuts, shaving, and grooming for a diverse clientele. Advise clients on styles and hair care, as well as maintaining equipment and facilities. Contributes to training and onboarding of junior staff. | $35,000 - $45,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Barber, Lead Barber, Barber Shop Manager | Oversees the barbering services provided by the shop, ensuring quality and satisfaction. Manages inventory, supervises staff, and handles customer complaints. Implements training for new styles and techniques. Responsible for shop profitability and operational efficiency. | $45,000 - $60,000 |
| 10-11 | Barbering Operations Manager, Regional Barber Supervisor, Barber Shop Director | Strategically manages multiple barber shop locations or a large staff. Develops marketing strategies, financial targets, and performance metrics. Coordinates staff scheduling, training initiatives, and compliance with health standards while ensuring an exceptional customer experience. | $60,000 - $80,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Barber Services, Senior Operations Executive - Barbering, Barbering Program Director | Directs overarching barbering operations, focusing on business development, brand positioning, and competitive market analysis. Leads team in meeting financial objectives, ensuring a high standard of service quality and innovation in offerings. | $80,000 - $100,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Barbering Services, Chief Barbering Officer, Senior Executive Director - Barbering | Executes corporate strategy for national barbering programs, including expansion efforts and service innovation. Collaborates with other divisions to enhance brand visibility and ensure profitable growth across all platforms. Focuses on long-term vision and leadership development within the organization. | $100,000 - $130,000 |
| SES | Senior Vice President of Beauty and Barbering, Executive Director of Barber and Cosmetology Services, Chief Operating Officer - Hair Services | Leads the entire barbering division of a major corporation, setting strategic direction and operational goals aligned with corporate objectives. Responsible for cross-functional integration of services, corporate governance, and stakeholder engagement while enhancing the brand's market position and profitability. | $130,000 - $160,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Licensed Barber
Obtaining a state license to practice as a barber is essential, as it demonstrates formal training in haircutting, shaving, and grooming techniques. This certification not only qualifies you legally to work in a barbershop but also builds credibility with clients in the civilian market.
Barbering Certificate or Diploma
Completing a barbering program at an accredited cosmetology school provides foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for the trade. This formal education gives you a competitive edge by showcasing your commitment to the profession and your technical competence to potential employers.
Barbering Specialty Certification (e.g., Advanced Men’s Grooming)
Specialty certifications can enhance your skill set in specific areas, such as advanced techniques in men’s cutting and styling or mastering shaving methods. This can attract a broader clientele and address diverse customer needs, making you a valuable asset in high-demand barbershops.
Business Management Certification
A certification in business management, such as from an organization like the National Federation of Independent Business, can provide knowledge in running a small barbering business or understanding shop operations. This insight can differentiate you as a potential barbershop owner or manager, demonstrating leadership capabilities in the civilian sector.
Continuing Education Hours (CEUs) in Trending Styles
Participating in workshops or courses that provide CEUs allows you to stay updated on the latest hair trends and techniques. Clients often seek barbers who are knowledgeable about current styles, making continual education attractive to potential employers and enhancing your marketability.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-7603 Barbering role to the private sector can be both an exciting and daunting experience. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and translation techniques necessary to make this transition smoothly and successfully.
Embrace Change: Adjusting to the private sector requires a shift in your mindset. You might be used to the stability and structured environment of federal employment. However, the private sector can be more dynamic, with different priorities and work cultures. Embrace agility and be open to new experiences.
Highlighting Value Addition: In the federal system, roles and responsibilities can be rigid and defined. In the private sector, the emphasis is often on how your skills can add value to a company. Shift your focus from merely what you've done to what outcomes you achieved and how you can solve problems for your future employer.
Customer-Centered Approach: While the federal government has public service values, private businesses prioritize customers and profitability. Think about how your services as a barber contributed to customer satisfaction and loyalty, which parallels private sector goals.
Convert Federal Terminology: Review your job descriptions and translate any government terminology into common industry terms. For example, instead of saying "provided services to military personnel," you can say "delivered high-quality barbering services to clients in a fast-paced environment."
Focus on Skills and Achievements: Highlight relevant skills such as grooming expertise, customer service, and health/safety compliance. Make sure to underscore achievements, such as "increased customer retention by 20% through personalized service and client engagement."
Tailored Resume: Customize your resume for each job application based on the job description. Identify key requirements and ensure your resume mirrors those terms, improving your chances of getting past automated applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Consider Format: Use a clean, professional format. Utilize bullet points for responsibilities and achievements, and be concise. Include sections such as summary, skills, work experience, and education to make your qualifications easily accessible.
Research and Prepare: Understand the company, its culture, and current trends in the barber industry. Being informed will allow you to connect your experiences to their needs.
STAR Method: Prepare to answer behavioral questions by utilizing the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. For example:
Practice Common Questions: Prepare for common interview questions such as "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" or "Why do you want to work here?" Tailor your answers to reflect your specific barbering experiences in the context of customer service and business growth.
Asking Questions: At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the company's direction or challenges in the industry. This shows your interest and willingness to engage at a deeper level.
Join Professional Associations: Become a member of industry-related associations such as the Professional Beauty Association. This can provide you access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Leverage Social Media: Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to connect with other professionals in the industry. Share content relevant to hair and grooming trends, or even your experiences to showcase your passion and expertise.
Local Events and Classes: Attend local barbering events, workshops, or seminars in your area. These are great opportunities to meet industry professionals and learn about job openings that may not be advertised publicly.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals in the private sector who have made similar transitions or are in positions you aspire to. Ask for a brief informational interview to gain insights, advice, and foster connections.
Emphasize Transferable Skills: Concentrate on transferable skills such as customer interaction, time management, and adherence to regulations. These skills are universally valuable across sectors.
Use Quantitative Measures: Whenever possible, use data. For instance, reference the number of clients served within a period, hours spent achieving certifications, or customer satisfaction ratings. This provides a tangible context to your experience.
Frame Soft Skills: Skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally valued in private sector settings. Frame experiences from your federal role that highlight these attributes, such as resolving client complaints or collaborating with colleagues.
Focus on the 'Why': Explain the reasoning behind your decisions in a federal environment, linking it to the broader goals such as customer satisfaction. This will demonstrate your ability to align with private sector goals.
Transitioning from a federal Barbering role to the private sector is an exciting journey that opens many doors for personal and professional growth. Keep a positive attitude, continuously seek knowledge, and be proactive in showcasing your skills and experiences. By embracing the right mindset, presenting an impressive resume, nailing interviews, and developing a robust professional network, you'll be well on your way to achieving your career goals. Remember, the private sector values the unique perspectives and skills that you bring from your federal experience, and with persistence, you can find success in this new chapter.