Barber in Mississippi

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

Median annual salary

$24,110

trending_down -38.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.

engineering

Jobs (MS)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$50

Licensing fees

route How to become a barber in Mississippi

To become a licensed Barber in Mississippi, individuals must complete at least 1500 hours of training at a state-approved barber school. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass the Mississippi State Board Barber Examination. The licensing body is the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 8 hours of continuing education. Reciprocity is available on a case-by-case basis for those licensed in other states with similar educational requirements, provided they pass an examination and pay a $55 application fee.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $17,210

25th percentile $19,110

50th (median) $24,110

75th percentile $44,980

90th (experienced) $72,700

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

checklist Mississippi requirements

Licensing body	Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program
Experience	1,500.0 hours
Exam	Mississippi State Board Barber Examination
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	8.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed the 9th grade. A high school diploma or GED is also mentioned as a requirement by some sources. Reciprocity is determined on a case-by-case basis and requires an application, proof of current license and training hours, and an interview with the board. There is a $55 application fee for reciprocity.

Source: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

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_circleMississippi 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 Mississippi? expand_more

The path to barber licensure in Mississippi: complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Mississippi State Board Barber Examination, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a barber license required in Mississippi? expand_more

You cannot practice as a barber in Mississippi without a state license from Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The required exam is the Mississippi State Board Barber Examination.

What is the average barber salary in Mississippi? expand_more

In Mississippi, the median pay for barbers comes to $24,110/year. — 38% under the $38,960 national average. New barbers start around $17,210; seasoned professionals can reach $72,700.

How many CE hours do barbers need in Mississippi? expand_more

Mississippi requires 8.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your barber license.