License GuideSOC 39-5011

Barber
License.

A barber cuts, trims, and styles hair for clients. They also shampoo hair, trim beards, and provide shaves. Beyond the chair, barbers consult with clients about their preferences and hair type. They sterilize tools between each customer, maintain a clean workspace, and may recommend products for home care. Many barbers build loyal clientele by developing strong relationships and staying skilled in current techniques. Some specialize in specific styles like fades, lines, or traditional straight-razor work.

At a Glance

Everything a Barber needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed barbers are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

Read more

A barber cuts, trims, and styles hair for clients. They also shampoo hair, trim beards, and provide shaves. Beyond the chair, barbers consult with clients about their preferences and hair type. They sterilize tools between each customer, maintain a clean workspace, and may recommend products for home care. Many barbers build loyal clientele by developing strong relationships and staying skilled in current techniques. Some specialize in specific styles like fades, lines, or traditional straight-razor work.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

Most states require a national or state-administered exam covering barber knowledge, ethics, and state law.

Read more

You'll take a barber licensing exam with two main sections. The national portion covers standard barbering practices, while the state-law section focuses on local regulations specific to your state. Most states contract with testing companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer exams. You can expect multiple-choice questions on both sections. Passing scores vary by state, typically ranging from 70% to 80%. Check with your state board for exact requirements, test dates, and registration deadlines before you apply.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in almost every state. Hours and topics vary by board.

Read more

Barber continuing education rules differ by state. Your renewal cycle will require a specific number of CE hours. Topics typically include ethics and state law. Check your state board's requirements to confirm the exact hours and subjects you need.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

Strong candidates for the barber role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.

Read more

You'll need steady hands and the ability to follow precise specifications. But technical skill alone won't cut it. You have to listen to what clients actually want, not what you assume they need. Some days you'll manage difficult requests or frustrated customers. You'll read the room, adjust your approach, and know when to suggest alternatives. The best barbers pick up on small cues: a client's hesitation, their preferred style, what works for their face shape. That judgment builds through practice under experienced supervision.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

Practicing as a barber without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.

Read more

Practicing as a barber without an active license violates state law across the country. Unlicensed barbers face civil fines and must forfeit any income earned. States impose additional penalties for repeat violations, which can include criminal charges and jail time. The specific fines and sentences vary by state and offense history.

Career Outlook
+8.7% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034.

The Path

How to Get a Barber License.

You'll follow a standard path across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience, which takes months to years depending on your state. You'll undergo a background check. Finally, maintain your license by completing continuing education before each renewal. Requirements for hours, degree levels, and experience length differ by state, so check your specific state's rules early.

1
Finish state-approved school hours
State cosmetology or barber boards require a set number of program hours at an accredited school, specific to the barber discipline.
2
Pass the written exam
The written exam covers sanitation, infection control, state law, and technical theory.
3
Pass the practical exam
A hands-on demonstration of procedures, scored by a board examiner. Many states now use a virtual practical format.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Cosmetology or trade school
State-approved program. Hour requirements are state-specific.
$5,000 to $20,000
Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
Compensation

What Barbers Earn.

National hourly wage by percentile.

Bottom 10%
$13.35/hr
25th percentile
$15.41/hr
Median
$18.73/hr
75th percentile
$28.45/hr
Top 10%
$37.71/hr
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Barber license is active.

Paul Mitchell the School-Richland
Barbering/Barber
Richland, WashingtonIn-person
Ravenscroft Beauty College
Barbering/Barber
Fort Wayne, IndianaIn-person
Riggins Urban Barber College
Barbering/Barber
San Diego, CaliforniaIn-person
Robert Fiance Beauty Schools-West New York
Barbering/Barber
West New York, New JerseyIn-person
Rosslyn Training Academy of Cosmetology
Barbering/Barber
Aguada, Puerto RicoIn-person
Shear Finesse Beauty Academy
Barbering/Barber
Jacksonville, FloridaIn-person
South Texas Barber College Inc
Barbering/Barber
Corpus Christi, TexasIn-person
The Institute of Beauty and Wellness
Barbering/Barber
Milwaukee, WisconsinIn-person
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
Varies
Varies
Exam fee
Varies
Varies
License fee
Varies
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Issuing board
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

Ready to get licensed?

Tell us your state and how you plan to work. We build your license checklist, prepare every filing, and track renewals.

Paperwork prep · State fees handled · Renewal tracking