Barber in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$37,250

trending_down -4.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$170

Licensing fees

schedule

10-14 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Minnesota

To become a licensed barber in Minnesota, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program at a Board-approved barber school and pass the Minnesota State Barber Examination (written and practical). The licensing body is the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed at least the 10th grade. Reciprocity is available on a case-by-case basis for those licensed in states with substantially similar requirements, with specific agreements with North Dakota, South Dakota, Arizona, and Kansas.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,390

25th percentile $36,730

50th (median) $37,250

75th percentile $37,250

90th (experienced) $37,620

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program
Experience	1,500.0 hours
Exam	Minnesota State Barber Examination (Written and Practical) ($85)
Application fee	$85
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed at least the 10th grade. A $75 Home Study Course is required for all applicants taking the Registered Barber Examination. All barbers are required to work in registered barbershops. Barbers must display their license certificate with a 2x2 inch head and shoulder photograph.

Source: Minnesota 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_circleMinnesota 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 Minnesota? expand_more

In Minnesota, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Minnesota State Barber Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($85 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a barber in Minnesota? expand_more

You cannot practice as a barber in Minnesota without a state license from Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners. The required exam is the Minnesota State Barber Examination (Written and Practical).

How much does a barber make in Minnesota? expand_more

Minnesota barbers bring home a median salary of $37,250. — within a few percent of the $38,960 national figure. Wages range from $30,390 (10th percentile) up to $37,620 (90th percentile).

How much does it cost to become a barber in Minnesota? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($85) and application fee ($85) plus your education and training.

What's the timeline to become a barber in Minnesota? expand_more

Most candidates in Minnesota complete the process in 10-14 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.