Barber in Idaho

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

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$233

Licensing fees

schedule

7-10 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Idaho

To become a licensed Barber in Idaho, individuals must complete a 900-hour training program from an approved barber college. After completing the education, applicants must pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (written and practical). The licensing body is the Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board, and the application fee is $25. Idaho offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in states with similar requirements or with sufficient work experience.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

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

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing body	Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board
State license	Required
Education	900-hour training program
Experience	900.0 hours
Exam	NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($208)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Reciprocity	Idaho offers licensure by endorsement for barbers with similar standards or three years of active work experience.Reciprocal states: Idaho offers licensure by endorsement. Applicants must be licensed in a state with similar education and examination standards (900 hours of training) or have been actively working as a licensed barber for three years immediately prior to applying in Idaho. If requirements are not met, additional training and examination may be required. A $35 endorsement fee applies.
Notes	Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 10th grade. A background investigation may be required. New applicants will be issued at least a 2-year license that expires on their date of birth.

Source: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Idaho? See whether Idaho 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

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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Frequently asked questions

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

To become a barber in Idaho, you need to complete the required education (900-hour training program), gain 900.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($25 fee).

Does Idaho require barber licensure? expand_more

Idaho mandates state licensure for barbers. Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical).

What's the total cost to get barber certified in Idaho? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($208) and application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a barber in Idaho? expand_more

Expect to spend 7-10 months from start to finish in Idaho — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.