Barber in Colorado

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

Median annual salary
$56,690
trending_up +45.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering
630

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$155

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (typically 10-12 months for education, plus exam and application processing)

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

10th percentile (entry) $35,300
25th percentile $41,620
50th (median) $56,690
75th percentile $73,690
90th (experienced) $76,210

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

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing bodyColorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
State license Required
Education1500-hour training program
ExamNIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($127)
Application fee$28
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum 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

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_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a barber in Colorado? expand_more
The path to barber licensure in Colorado: complete the required education (1500-hour training program), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($28 fee).
Does Colorado require barber licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in Colorado. Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure handles barber licensing — the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) is part of the process.
What is the average barber salary in Colorado? expand_more
Colorado barbers bring home a median salary of $56,690. This exceeds the $38,960 national median by 46%. New barbers start around $35,300; seasoned professionals can reach $76,210.
How expensive is barber licensing in Colorado? expand_more
Between exam fee ($127) and application fee ($28), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a barber in Colorado? expand_more
Expect to spend Varies (typically 10-12 months for education, plus exam and application processing) from start to finish in Colorado — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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