Barber in New Jersey
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.
Jobs (NJ)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in New Jersey
To become a licensed barber in New Jersey, individuals must complete a 900-hour training program from a New Jersey licensed school and be at least 17 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Candidates must pass both a theory exam administered by Prometric and a state board practical exam. The licensing body is the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, and licenses are renewed every two years.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New Jersey. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist New Jersey requirements
| Licensing body | New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a 900-hour training program in barbering from a New Jersey licensed school. |
| Exam | New Jersey State Board Theory Exam (Prometric) and Practical Exam ($45) |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | New Jersey offers endorsement but requires passing the state board exam and transferring out-of-state hours to a NJ school.Reciprocal states: New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement to cosmetologist-hairstylist applicants who satisfy NJ requirements and hold a current, active license in good standing as a barber or beautician in another state. Applicants must submit an 'out-of-state' application, required documentation, and pass the New Jersey Board's examination. The Board will not accept hours, diplomas, or certificates; hours completed in an out-of-state licensed school must be transferred to a licensed school in New Jersey. Work experience must be in a licensed salon in the state where the license was held within the last five years. If the originating state does not require a practical examination, the applicant will not qualify for endorsement. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. The licensing fee is $90 for the first year of a licensing cycle or $45 for the second year. Continuing education is not required for renewal. |
Source: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New Jersey? See whether New Jersey recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Barber license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleNew Jersey license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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