Barber in Arkansas

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

Median annual salary

$24,700

trending_down -36.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering

180

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$125

Licensing fees

schedule

9-10 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Arkansas

To become a licensed Barber in Arkansas, individuals must complete a 1,500-hour training program at a board-approved school. Following this, applicants must pass a practical demonstration and a written and oral theory examination. The Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners handles licensing, and applicants must be at least 16.5 years old and have completed the 8th grade. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in other states with equivalent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $23,210

25th percentile $23,420

50th (median) $24,700

75th percentile $29,450

90th (experienced) $39,530

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

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing body	Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program
Experience	1,500.0 hours
Exam	Arkansas State Board Barber Examination ($75)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Applicants must be at least 16.5 years old and have completed the 8th grade. A pre-licensure criminal background check may be required. Applicants must also test negative for TB and on a Wassermann test.

Source: Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners

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.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleArkansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a barber in Arkansas? expand_more

Arkansas requires barbers to complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Arkansas State Board Barber Examination, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a barber license required in Arkansas? expand_more

A state license is required in Arkansas. Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners handles barber licensing — the Arkansas State Board Barber Examination is part of the process.

What is the average barber salary in Arkansas? expand_more

In Arkansas, the median pay for barbers comes to $24,700/year. — 37% under the $38,960 national average. The range spans from $23,210 at the entry level to $39,530 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a barber in Arkansas? expand_more

Between exam fee ($75) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does barber certification take in Arkansas? expand_more

In Arkansas, becoming a barber generally takes 9-10 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.