Barber in Hawaii

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

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$110

Licensing fees

schedule
Approximately 10-12 months for full-time training program.

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Hawaii

To become a licensed Barber in Hawaii, applicants must complete a 1500-hour training program at a board-approved barber school or a 3000-hour barber apprenticeship (1500 hours if applying before July 1, 2024). After completing the education prerequisite, candidates must pass the Prometric Barber Examination, which includes both a written theory and practical demonstration. The application fee is $20, and the exam cost is $90. Hawaii does not offer reciprocity with other states, meaning out-of-state licensees must meet Hawaii's specific education and examination requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

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

checklist Hawaii requirements

Licensing bodyHawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
State license Required
Education1500 hours of barber school training or 3000 hours of barber apprenticeship training (Note: 1500 apprenticeship hours accepted if application filed before July 1, 2024).
ExamPrometric Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($90)
Application fee$20
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age is 17 years old. Must be a high school graduate or possess an equivalent education. Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or an alien authorized to work in the United States. Licenses expire on December 31 of odd-numbered years. A temporary permit is available for applicants approved for examination, allowing practice under supervision for one year. The exam is administered by Prometric and consists of a written theory and practical demonstration. The written exam has 110 questions and takes 2.5 hours. If an applicant fails four consecutive examinations, they must complete a six-month apprenticeship before re-qualifying for another series of examinations.

Source: Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology

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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psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a barber in Hawaii? expand_more
The path to barber licensure in Hawaii: complete the required education (1500 hours of barber school training or 3000 hours of barber apprenticeship training (Note: 1500 apprenticeship hours accepted if application filed before July 1, 2024).), pass the Prometric Barber Examination (Theory and Practical), and submit your application ($20 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a barber in Hawaii? expand_more
A state license is required in Hawaii. Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology handles barber licensing — the Prometric Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) is part of the process.
How expensive is barber licensing in Hawaii? expand_more
Between exam fee ($90) and application fee ($20), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
What's the timeline to become a barber in Hawaii? expand_more
The typical timeline in Hawaii is Approximately 10-12 months for full-time training program.. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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