ATO benchmarks for barbers
Barbers earn from cuts, beard trims and shaves paid at the counter, and some rent chairs to other barbers, while shop rent, staff costs and grooming products are their main costs.
General information
Total expenses as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 to $150,000 | 2023-24 | 43% | 61% |
| $65,000 to $150,000 | 2022-23 | 43% | 62% |
| More than $150,000 | 2023-24 | 65% | 81% |
| More than $150,000 | 2022-23 | 67% | 82% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What sits behind these figures in the books
- The main day-to-day expenses are shop rent, staff costs, replacement clipper blades, towels and laundry, styling and grooming products, booking software, electricity and insurance.
- Chair rent received from other barbers is recorded as its own income line, apart from takings for cuts and shaves, so the books show where turnover comes from.
- Clippers, barber chairs and other fit-out bought to keep are recorded apart from running costs, and products taken home for personal use are kept out of business expenses.
Sources
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2023-24 financial year, released 16 March 2026. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2022-23 financial year, released 17 March 2025. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
Get your books in order
Cost of sales and total expenses are only as reliable as the books behind them. Tell us how your business runs and we will suggest a bookkeeping plan that fits.