Barber in Maryland
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in Maryland
To become a licensed Barber in Maryland, individuals must complete either a 1200-hour training program at a barber school or a 2250-hour apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass the PSI Barber Examination, which includes both a theory and practical component. The application fee for a barber license is $50, and the license is valid for two years. Maryland also offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states, provided their qualifications are equivalent or greater than Maryland's, and they have two years of notarized work experience. A one-hour domestic violence awareness training is required for initial licensure and renewals, effective January 1, 2026.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maryland. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Maryland requirements
| Licensing body | Maryland State Board of Barbers |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1200-hour training program or 2250-hour apprenticeship |
| Experience | 1,200.0 hours |
| Exam | PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($77) |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Maryland offers endorsement, but applicants from several states must take both Maryland theory and practical exams.Reciprocal states: Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other U.S. states with equivalent or greater requirements. Applicants must provide certification that their license is current and in good standing, and show two years of notarized work experience. Applicants from Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York must take both the Maryland theory and practical exams. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. A one-hour domestic violence awareness training is required for initial licensure and renewals, effective January 1, 2026. Maryland issues a 'Master Barber' license which requires 15 months of experience as a licensed barber and passing a master barber exam. |
Source: Maryland State Board of Barbers
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Maryland? See whether Maryland recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Barber license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium Maryland license tiers
Maryland offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | 2,250 |
| Master Barber | 1,200 |
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_circleMaryland license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Barber head-to-head
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