Barber in New Jersey

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

Median annual salary

$49,360

trending_up +26.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering

1,150

Jobs (NJ)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$95

Licensing fees

schedule

6-12 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $31,470

25th percentile $31,470

50th (median) $49,360

75th percentile $59,830

90th (experienced) $73,520

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
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

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_circleNew Jersey 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 New Jersey? expand_more

In New Jersey, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a 900-hour training program in barbering from a New Jersey licensed school.), pass the New Jersey State Board Theory Exam (Prometric) and Practical Exam, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a barber license required in New Jersey? expand_more

A state license is required in New Jersey. New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling handles barber licensing — the New Jersey State Board Theory Exam (Prometric) and Practical Exam is part of the process.

How much do barbers make in New Jersey? expand_more

New Jersey barbers bring home a median salary of $49,360. — 27% higher than the $38,960 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $31,470, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $73,520.

How expensive is barber licensing in New Jersey? expand_more

Between exam fee ($45) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a barber in New Jersey? expand_more

Most candidates in New Jersey complete the process in 6-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.