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Beauty & Personal Care
How to become a Barber
From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.
- Time to get there
- 9–15 months
- Typical pay
- $32k–$55k
- Starting from
- No experience
Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.
See barber jobs open nowThe route
Attend barber school
Typically 1,000–1,500 hours; a separate licence from cosmetology in most states.
Course that covers thisHow to become a professional barberUdemy · around $29.99Master clipper work and fades
This is the skill people choose a barber for.
Pass the state board
Written and practical, including a straight-razor shave in many states.
State barber licence
Rent a chair
Booth rental is how most barbers move from wage to real earnings.
- Browse jobs now
Destination
Barber
Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.