Barber in Indiana

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

Median annual salary
$43,590
trending_up +11.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.

engineering
270

Jobs (IN)

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$84

Licensing fees

schedule
approximately 10-14 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $19,070
25th percentile $26,950
50th (median) $43,590
75th percentile $56,470
90th (experienced) $56,470

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

checklist Indiana requirements

Licensing bodyIndiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
State license Required
Education1500-hour training program
Experience1,500.0 hours
ExamPSI Barber Examination ($44)
Application fee$40
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesApplicants 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

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

How do you get certified as a barber in Indiana? expand_more
In Indiana, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the PSI Barber Examination, and submit your application ($40 fee).
Is a barber license required in Indiana? expand_more
You cannot practice as a barber in Indiana without a state license from Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. The required exam is the PSI Barber Examination.
How much does a barber make in Indiana? expand_more
The median barber salary in Indiana is $43,590 per year. — 12% higher than the $38,960 national figure. New barbers start around $19,070; seasoned professionals can reach $56,470.
What are the fees to become a barber in Indiana? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($44) and application fee ($40) and required training.
How quickly can I become a barber in Indiana? expand_more
In Indiana, becoming a barber generally takes approximately 10-14 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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