Barber in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.
Jobs (IA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in Iowa
To become a licensed Barber in Iowa, individuals must complete either a 2100-hour training program or a 2380-hour apprenticeship program. After completing the education, applicants must pass the NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam (effective July 1, 2024), with a practical exam being optional for a shaving certificate. The licensing body is the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing, and the application fee is $60. Iowa offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other states with similar requirements, provided they meet specific criteria including an hour of Iowa barbering laws and sanitation, and passing the NIC exams if not already done.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Iowa. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Iowa requirements
| Licensing body | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 2100-hour training program or 2380-hour apprenticeship program |
| Exam | NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam (effective July 1, 2024). Practical exam is optional for shaving certificate. ($83) |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Iowa offers endorsement for active licensees, requiring an Iowa laws course and NIC exams if not already passed.Reciprocal states: Iowa offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who have held an active license in another state for at least 12 of the past 24 months, complete one hour of Iowa barbering laws and administrative rules and sanitation, and pass the NIC written and practical examinations if not already completed. The state has reciprocity agreements with most state boards for equivalent licenses. |
| Notes | Minimum age 17 at time of state board exam. Must have a high school diploma or GED. First renewal period after initial license is exempt from CE requirements. CE hours must include 1 hour in Iowa barbering law and 2 hours in sanitation/infection control or HIV/AIDS awareness. A background check is required. |
Source: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Iowa? See whether Iowa 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_circleIowa license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Barber head-to-head
See all comparisons →Considering a Barber vs another career? Side-by-side breakdowns of pay, training time, and licensing.