Barber in Colorado
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.
Jobs (CO)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in Colorado
To become a certified Barber in Colorado, you must complete a 1500-hour training program at a state-approved barber or beauty school. After completing your education, you must pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI. Finally, you will submit an application with a fee of $28 to the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees with substantially equivalent qualifications.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Colorado. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Colorado requirements
| Licensing body | Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1500-hour training program |
| Exam | NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($127) |
| Application fee | $28 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Colorado offers licensure by endorsement, potentially requiring exams if qualifications are not equivalent.Reciprocal states: Colorado offers licensure by endorsement for individuals with an active license in good standing from another state or country, provided their experience or credentials are substantially equivalent to Colorado's requirements (1,500 hours of training). Applicants may be required to take all or part of the Colorado written and practical examinations if their qualifications are not deemed equivalent. |
| Notes | Minimum age is 16 years old. A high school diploma or GED is required. Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency is also required. While CE hours are not required for standard renewal, 16-24 hours are needed for license reinstatement if expired for more than two years. Colorado licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years. |
Source: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Colorado? See whether Colorado 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
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Barber head-to-head
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