Barber in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.
Jobs (NC)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in North Carolina
To become a Registered Barber in North Carolina, individuals must complete a 1,528-hour training program at a North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners-approved barber school. After completing the education and passing the Apprentice Barber Licensing Exam (written and practical), a 12-month apprenticeship under a licensed barber is required. Finally, applicants must pass the Registered Barber Examination (clinical) to obtain full licensure. North Carolina offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet comparable training and experience requirements.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for North Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist North Carolina requirements
| Licensing body | North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1528-hour training program |
| Exam | Apprentice Barber Licensing Exam (written and practical), Registered Barber Examination (clinical) ($85) |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Reciprocity | North Carolina offers reciprocity for similar requirements and experience, but some applicants may still need to pass the state exam.Reciprocal states: North Carolina offers reciprocity to barbers licensed in other states with substantially similar requirements (at least 1,500 hours of training and 3 years of recent, licensed work experience). A verification letter from the home state's licensing agency is required. Some applicants may still need to pass North Carolina's barber exam. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and have a U.S. Social Security Number. A criminal background check (FBI Criminal History Summary) is required. After completing the 1528-hour training program and passing the Apprentice Barber Licensing Exam, an apprentice license is issued. The individual must then complete a 12-month apprenticeship under a licensed barber before being eligible to take the Registered Barber Examination to become a Registered Barber. |
Source: North Carolina Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to North Carolina? See whether North Carolina recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Barber license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium North Carolina license tiers
North Carolina offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | 1,528 |
| Registered Barber | N/A |
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_circleNorth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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