Barber in Michigan

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

Median annual salary

$29,390

trending_down -24.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering

190

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$224

Licensing fees

schedule

12-18 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Michigan

To become a licensed Barber in Michigan, individuals must complete an 1,800-hour training program at a state-approved barber college or through an apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI. The application fee for licensure is $80, and the exam fee is $144. Licenses are renewed every two years, and there are no continuing education requirements. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a tenth-grade education or equivalent, and a background check is required. Michigan offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees if their qualifications are substantially equivalent to Michigan's.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $25,290

25th percentile $28,310

50th (median) $29,390

75th percentile $35,970

90th (experienced) $56,440

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing body	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1800-hour training program or 2-year apprenticeship
Experience	1,800.0 hours
Exam	PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($144)
Application fee	$80
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed the tenth grade or an equivalent education. A background check is also required. Michigan has one of the highest training hour requirements in the US, though there is proposed legislation (House Bill 4927) to reduce the hours from 1,800 to 1,500.

Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - 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_circleMichigan 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 Michigan? expand_more

Michigan requires barbers to complete the required education (1800-hour training program or 2-year apprenticeship), gain 1,800.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical), and submit your application ($80 fee).

Does Michigan require barber licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a barber in Michigan without a state license from Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Board of Barber Examiners. The required exam is the PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical).

How much does a barber make in Michigan? expand_more

barbers in Michigan earn a median of $29,390 annually. — 25% under the $38,960 national average. New barbers start around $25,290; seasoned professionals can reach $56,440.

How expensive is barber licensing in Michigan? expand_more

Between exam fee ($144) and application fee ($80), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Expect to spend 12-18 months from start to finish in Michigan — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.