Barber in New York

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

Median annual salary

$32,050

trending_down -17.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$55

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies by program/apprenticeship

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in New York

To become a licensed Barber in New York, individuals must complete an approved course of study or a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed barber. Applicants must pass the New York State Barber Examination (written and practical) and submit a health certification form and proof of completing a course on contagious diseases. New York offers reciprocity with Maine, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania, waiving the practical exam for licensees from these states. The minimum age to apply is 17.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $32,050

25th percentile $32,050

50th (median) $32,050

75th percentile $60,500

90th (experienced) $86,850

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing body	New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
State license	Required
Education	Completion of an approved course of study
Exam	New York State Barber Examination (Written and Practical) ($15)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Notes	Minimum age 17. Requires a health certification form completed by a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner. Must complete a one-time course on transmission of contagious diseases and proper sanitation/sterilization.

Source: New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services

workspace_premium New York license tiers

New York offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Barber Apprentice	N/A
Barber	N/A

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 York 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

What's required to work as a barber in New York? expand_more

To become a barber in New York, you need to complete the required education (Completion of an approved course of study), pass the New York State Barber Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($40 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a barber in New York? expand_more

Yes, New York requires a state license to practice as a barber. The licensing body is New York State Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. You must pass the New York State Barber Examination (Written and Practical).

What do barbers earn in New York? expand_more

New York barbers bring home a median salary of $32,050. — 18% under the $38,960 national average. Wages range from $32,050 (10th percentile) up to $86,850 (90th percentile).

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

Costs include exam fee ($15) and application fee ($40). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a barber in New York? expand_more

Most candidates in New York complete the process in Varies by program/apprenticeship, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.