How old do you have to be to work at a barber?

Author: Aiden Klocko  |  Last update: Thursday, November 27, 2025

There are different requirements for different barber shops and different states. Some of the minimum requirements to work as a barber apprentice include being at least 16 years of age, having any work permit required by the state, and having a social security number.

What is the youngest age to be a barber?

Most barber schools set the minimum age for enrollment at 16 years old. This requirement ensures that students have reached a level of maturity and have completed enough education to succeed in their training.

How long does it take to become a barber in NM?

Successfully complete a minimum of 1,600-hour course (Cosmetology) minimum 1,200-hour course (Barber). Successfully pass the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology and Barbering (NIC) theory, practical and state law examinations.

How long is barber school in PA?

1,250 Hours - Student must be instructed according to PA state curriculum, 1,250 hours in a licensed barber school under a licensed barber teacher, or in a licensed barber shop under a licensed barber manager or barber teacher.

How can a barber make $100,000 a year?

To reach $100k working a standard 40-hour work week, you will need to be making $50 per hour. If you are charging $25 per haircut, that means you need to be doing two haircuts every hour. Keep track of your time. Use tools like your phone to time yourself on each haircut.

What would I do my FIRST YEAR of Barbering

Do barbers get paid well?

How Much Do Barber Jobs Pay per Year? $35,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $63,500 is the 75th percentile.

Why do people quit barbering?

While barbering can be a rewarding career, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. Long hours of standing, high levels of concentration, and dealing with difficult customers can lead to stress and burnout. Some barbers may quit due to these challenges, or because they want to pursue different career paths.

Do barbers learn color?

When it comes to men's hair, coloring can be a tricky task. That's why it's so important to learn the correct techniques in barbering school. Students will learn how to mix hair dyes and tints, how to correctly apply color and what kind of color will be suitable for a particular client.

How fast can you become a barber?

Typical Barber Program Length

Barber training programs typically require between 1,000 and 1,500 hours of instruction, depending on state regulations. The time it takes to complete the program varies based on your schedule: Full-time students: 9–12 months. Part-time students: 12–24 months.

Is barber job hard?

Hairdressers and barbers spend most of their day on their feet, so it can be a physically demanding job. You'll need to be prepared to be active and work hard. Marisa says looking after yourself and getting the basics right (good nutrition, adequate sleep, etc.) is important and will sustain you in the long term.

Can a barber do women's hair?

While traditionally seen as male-centric spaces, many barbershops today are becoming more inclusive and welcoming to clients of all genders. Whether a woman wants a classic short haircut or a trendy style, she can find skilled barbers who are proficient in various cutting techniques and styles.

How long is barber school years?

Many aspiring barbers often wonder, "How long is barber school?" Well, in California, most programs can be completed in about 6 to 12 months for full-time students, or approximately 1000 hours of training. Those hours of training are required to take the licensing exam.

Who makes more money, a barber or a hairstylist?

Pay. The median hourly wage for barbers was $17.38 in May 2023. The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $16.81 in May 2023.

How do I start a beginner barber?

Beginner barbers must first master the fundamental techniques. These include using clippers, scissors, and razors, understanding different hair types, and developing the ability to create various haircuts and styles. Start by practicing the basic cuts, such as fades, tapers, and classic scissor cuts.

How to become a barber without school?

Can you become a barber without going to school? While you don't need a college degree to become a barber, you do have to get licensed. Licensing requirements vary in each state, but most require a completed barbering or cosmetology program. Some even require an apprenticeship with an experienced barber.

Why do barbers need a license?

Licensure not only ensures compliance with state regulations but also opens doors to a world of opportunities in the thriving barbering industry. If you're ready to take the next step towards your barbering dreams, consider enrolling in a reputable barber school, the Southern California College of Barber & Beauty.

How old do you have to be to be a barber?

To qualify to take the California barber examinations for licensure, you must be at least 17 years old, and you must have completed at least the 10th grade. You should allow about 6 to 12 weeks for the Board to process your application and send you a scheduling letter regarding the next available examination dates.

Do barbers cut dirty hair?

Dirty or product-heavy tresses can cause tangles and clog the barber's tools, which makes the cutting process more difficult and might even lead to an uneven cut. Plus, clean hair allows your barber to work more efficiently, cutting down your time in the chair without sacrificing the quality of the cut.

What race are most barbers?

In 2022, 44.7% of the Barbers workforce were White, of which 30.7% were women and 69.3% men. Other races that concentrated a significant number of workers were Black (24.1%) and Other (15.1%).

Can barbers give you a perm?

However, a barber can do chemical hair treatments like perms and coloring. And they're offering services like hair coloring more as the lines between barbershops and high-end men's salons blur. Barbers can cut men's hair as well as women's, though they typically focus on short cuts.

Can barbers make 6 figures?

In 2021, the average barber salary is $35,700 per year. That said, we've all seen barbers on social media bragging about six-figure salaries. Below, we'll break down some of the most common factors that determine a barber's income and chat strategies to surge your paycheck as a professional barber.

Is barbering a fun job?

Not many jobs offer the opportunity to meet and interact with people from all walks of life. Barbers meet clients who have interesting stories to tell and you get to chat to people daily, which is perfect if you love people . Plus, you play a big part in making people look their best.

Why don't barbers cut on Mondays?

First off… most shops are run by private owners, and the Sunday-Monday off days give them a true weekend since closing Saturday would be a bad business move. A second reason for this is that some cities had a form of union for barbers that lasted through the mid-20th century.

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