Barber in Louisiana

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

Median annual salary
$49,850
trending_up +28.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.

engineering
40

Jobs (LA)

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$72

Licensing fees

schedule
12-18.5 months for barber college, 2 years for apprenticeship

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Louisiana

To become a licensed Barber in Louisiana, individuals must complete at least 1500 hours of training at a state-approved barber college or a 4000-hour apprenticeship program. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by the NIC. The licensing body is the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners, and licenses must be renewed annually. Reciprocity is available for barbers licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,890
25th percentile $32,150
50th (median) $49,850
75th percentile $53,390
90th (experienced) $54,470

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

checklist Louisiana requirements

Licensing bodyLouisiana Board of Barber Examiners
State license Required
Education1500 hours of training from a state-approved barber college or 4000 hours through a registered apprenticeship program. High school diploma or GED is also required.
ExamNIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($32)
Application fee$40
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesApplicants must be at least 17 years old (18 according to some sources) and have a high school diploma or GED. A background check may be required. Exams are conducted by the NIC.

Source: Louisiana Board of 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_circleLouisiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a barber in Louisiana? expand_more
The path to barber licensure in Louisiana: complete the required education (1500 hours of training from a state-approved barber college or 4000 hours through a registered apprenticeship program. High school diploma or GED is also required.), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($40 fee).
Does Louisiana require barber licensure? expand_more
Yes, Louisiana requires a state license to practice as a barber. The licensing body is Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners. You must pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical).
What do barbers earn in Louisiana? expand_more
barbers in Louisiana earn a median of $49,850 annually. That's 28% above the national median of $38,960. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $28,890, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $54,470.
What's the total cost to get barber certified in Louisiana? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($32) and application fee ($40). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does barber certification take in Louisiana? expand_more
Expect to spend 12-18.5 months for barber college, 2 years for apprenticeship from start to finish in Louisiana — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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