Barber in Maine

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

Median annual salary
$36,460
trending_down -6.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maine.

engineering
70

Jobs (ME)

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$268

Licensing fees

schedule
9-15 months for schooling, plus exam and application processing

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Maine

To become a licensed Barber Hair Stylist in Maine, individuals must complete either a 1500-hour training program at a licensed school or a 2500-hour apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both the written and practical components of the NIC National Barber Styling Examination, administered by Prov, Inc. The licensing body is the Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program, and applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a 10th-grade education or equivalent. Maine offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with comparable requirements, and there are no continuing education requirements for license renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,430
25th percentile $30,080
50th (median) $36,460
75th percentile $50,850
90th (experienced) $73,050

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

checklist Maine requirements

Licensing bodyMaine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program
State license Required
Education1500-hour training program or 2500-hour apprenticeship
ExamNIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) administered by Prov, Inc. ($248)
Application fee$20
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesMinimum age 17, 10th-grade education or equivalent required. Both written and practical exams must be passed within one year. A criminal background check fee of $21 is also required.

Source: Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program

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

What's required to work as a barber in Maine? expand_more
Maine requires barbers to complete the required education (1500-hour training program or 2500-hour apprenticeship), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) administered by Prov, Inc., and submit your application ($20 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a barber in Maine? expand_more
You cannot practice as a barber in Maine without a state license from Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program. The required exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) administered by Prov, Inc..
How much do barbers make in Maine? expand_more
Maine barbers bring home a median salary of $36,460. — 6% under the $38,960 national average. The range spans from $29,430 at the entry level to $73,050 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get barber certified in Maine? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($248) and application fee ($20) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does barber certification take in Maine? expand_more
Expect to spend 9-15 months for schooling, plus exam and application processing from start to finish in Maine — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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