Barber in Alaska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$270

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (typically 10-12 months for school, longer for apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Alaska

To become a licensed Barber in Alaska, individuals must complete either a 1650-hour training program at an approved school or a 2000-hour apprenticeship program. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. After completing the education prerequisite, candidates must pass both a written and practical examination. The application process involves submitting a notarized application, supporting training documents, and paying the required application, examination, and initial license fees to the Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alaska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing bodyAlaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
State license Required
Education1650-hour training program or 2000-hour apprenticeship
ExamNIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($120)
Application fee$150
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
ReciprocityAlaska offers licensure by waiver of examination for out-of-state licensees with equivalent qualifications.Reciprocal states: Alaska does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. However, applicants with an active out-of-state license may apply for licensure by waiver of examination if their training and examination requirements are equivalent to Alaska's. Work experience can be used to meet hour requirements.
NotesMinimum age of 17 years old and a high school diploma or GED are required. License renewal occurs on August 31st of odd-numbered years. A temporary license may be available for applicants qualified to take the examination, allowing practice under supervision. Models for the practical exam must be at least 15 years old; if under 18, a parent/guardian must sign a release form.

Source: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Alaska? See whether Alaska recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Barber license reciprocity guide.

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
Annual openings
8,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
76,000
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.73/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a barber in Alaska? expand_more
In Alaska, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (1650-hour training program or 2000-hour apprenticeship), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($150 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a barber in Alaska? expand_more
A state license is required in Alaska. Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers handles barber licensing — the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) is part of the process.
What are the fees to become a barber in Alaska? expand_more
Between exam fee ($120) and application fee ($150), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does barber certification take in Alaska? expand_more
In Alaska, becoming a barber generally takes Varies (typically 10-12 months for school, longer for apprenticeship), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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