Barber in Hawaii
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Hawaii. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Hawaii requirements
| Licensing body | Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology |
| State license | 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). |
| Exam | Prometric Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($90) |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Hawaii does not have reciprocity; out-of-state licensees must meet education and examination requirements, including the state exam.Reciprocal states: Hawaii does not have reciprocity with other states. Applicants licensed in other states must meet Hawaii's education and examination requirements. They may be required to take the Hawaii licensing exam and provide verification of 6 months of active barber work experience. |
| Notes | Minimum 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
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Hawaii? See whether Hawaii recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Barber license reciprocity guide.
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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.
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