Barber in Montana

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

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$339

Licensing fees

schedule
Approximately 7-10 months (for 1100-hour program)

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Montana

To become a licensed Barber in Montana, individuals must complete a 1100-hour training program from a Board-approved barbering school. After completing the education, applicants must pass both the written and practical portions of the NIC National Barber Styling Examination with a score of at least 75%. The Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists handles licensing, and applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Montana offers licensure by credentialing for out-of-state barbers who meet specific criteria, including having an active, unencumbered license and comparable training or work experience.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

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

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing bodyMontana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
State license Required
Education1100-hour training program (or 900-hour non-chemical barber program)
ExamNIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($259)
Application fee$80
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Passing score of 75% on both written and practical exams is required. Montana does not allow apprenticeship as a path to earning a barber license.

Source: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

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.

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psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a barber in Montana? expand_more
To become a barber in Montana, you need to complete the required education (1100-hour training program (or 900-hour non-chemical barber program)), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($80 fee).
Is a barber license required in Montana? expand_more
You cannot practice as a barber in Montana without a state license from Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The required exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical).
What's the total cost to get barber certified in Montana? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($259) and application fee ($80) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a barber in Montana? expand_more
Expect to spend Approximately 7-10 months (for 1100-hour program) from start to finish in Montana — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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