Barber in Iowa

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

Median annual salary

$78,480

trending_up +101.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

140

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$143

Licensing fees

schedule

11-15 months (school) or 12-14 months (apprenticeship)

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

10th percentile (entry) $33,450

25th percentile $58,940

50th (median) $78,480

75th percentile $78,510

90th (experienced) $79,660

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
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

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_circleIowa license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a barber in Iowa? expand_more

To become a barber in Iowa, you need to complete the required education (2100-hour training program or 2380-hour apprenticeship program), pass the NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam (effective July 1, 2024). Practical exam is optional for shaving certificate., and submit your application ($60 fee).

Does Iowa require barber licensure? expand_more

Iowa mandates state licensure for barbers. Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam (effective July 1, 2024). Practical exam is optional for shaving certificate..

How much do barbers make in Iowa? expand_more

The median barber salary in Iowa is $78,480 per year. That's 101% above the national median of $38,960. Wages range from $33,450 (10th percentile) up to $79,660 (90th percentile).

How expensive is barber licensing in Iowa? expand_more

Between exam fee ($83) and application fee ($60), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

In Iowa, becoming a barber generally takes 11-15 months (school) or 12-14 months (apprenticeship), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Iowa require continuing education for barbers? expand_more

To keep your license active, Iowa mandates 3.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.