Barber in Indiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.
Jobs (IN)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in Indiana
To become a licensed Barber in Indiana, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program at a state-approved beauty culture school. After completing the education, applicants must pass the PSI Barber Examination and submit an application with a $40 fee to the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Applicants must be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, or at least 18 years old. Indiana offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees whose requirements are substantially similar to its own.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Indiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Indiana requirements
| Licensing body | Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1500-hour training program |
| Experience | 1,500.0 hours |
| Exam | PSI Barber Examination ($44) |
| Application fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Indiana offers reciprocity if other state requirements are substantially equal, crediting experience for fewer hours.Reciprocal states: Indiana offers reciprocity to barbers licensed in other states if the requirements are substantially equal. If the applicant's training hours are less than Indiana's 1500 hours but at least 1000 hours, one year of licensed practice can be credited as 100 hours of education. A passing grade of at least 70% on the original state's written and practical exams is also required. A $100 reciprocity license fee may apply. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 17 years old and a high school graduate (or equivalent) or at least 18 years old. A passing score of 75% is required on the written exam. There may also be a practical exam requirement, though some sources only mention a written exam. Background checks are required. |
Source: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Indiana? See whether Indiana 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_circleIndiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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