Barber in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$44,390

trending_up +13.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

470

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$166

Licensing fees

schedule

8-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Missouri

To become a licensed Barber in Missouri, individuals must complete either a 1500-hour training program at an approved barber school or a 2000-hour apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by Prov. The licensing body is the Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Missouri offers reciprocity for licensed barbers from other states with comparable requirements or two years of experience, provided they pass a state law exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,690

25th percentile $36,160

50th (median) $44,390

75th percentile $73,580

90th (experienced) $78,470

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program or 2000-hour apprenticeship
Experience	1,000.0 hours
Exam	Missouri State Board Barber Examination (Written and Practical) ($146)
Application fee	$20
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 17 and completion of 10th grade or equivalent required. Licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years. Must be free of contagious or infectious diseases. Background check may be required.

Source: Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and 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_circleMissouri 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 Missouri? expand_more

To become a barber in Missouri, you need to complete the required education (1500-hour training program or 2000-hour apprenticeship), gain 1,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Missouri State Board Barber Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($20 fee).

Is a barber license required in Missouri? expand_more

Missouri mandates state licensure for barbers. Missouri State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners oversees the process, which includes passing the Missouri State Board Barber Examination (Written and Practical).

How much does a barber make in Missouri? expand_more

In Missouri, the median pay for barbers comes to $44,390/year. This exceeds the $38,960 national median by 14%. The range spans from $28,690 at the entry level to $78,470 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get barber certified in Missouri? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($146) and application fee ($20) and required training.

How quickly can I become a barber in Missouri? expand_more

Most candidates in Missouri complete the process in 8-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.