Barber in North Dakota

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

Median annual salary

$34,100

trending_down -12.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Dakota.

engineering

Jobs (ND)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$200

Licensing fees

schedule

Approximately 23-27 months (11-15 months education + 12 months apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in North Dakota

To become a licensed barber in North Dakota, candidates must complete 1550 hours of training at a state-approved barber college, followed by a one-year supervised apprenticeship. After completing the education and apprenticeship, applicants must pass the North Dakota Master Barber Examination, which includes both written and practical components. The licensing body is the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners, and licenses must be renewed annually with 6 hours of continuing education required every two years. North Dakota offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states with similar training requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $27,410

25th percentile $28,370

50th (median) $34,100

75th percentile $46,520

90th (experienced) $57,300

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

checklist North Dakota requirements

Licensing body	North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1550 hours of training from a barber college and one year of supervised work experience as an apprentice.
Exam	North Dakota Master Barber Examination (Written and Practical) ($100)
Application fee	$100
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	6.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 17 to take the apprentice examination. Must be of good moral character, temperate habits, and free from contagious/infectious disease. Must have completed four years of high school or equivalent. A background check is required. Continuing education of 6 hours is required every two years, but licenses are renewed annually.

Source: North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners

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_circleNorth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a barber in North Dakota? expand_more

In North Dakota, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (1550 hours of training from a barber college and one year of supervised work experience as an apprentice.), pass the North Dakota Master Barber Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($100 fee).

Is a barber license required in North Dakota? expand_more

A state license is required in North Dakota. North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners handles barber licensing — the North Dakota Master Barber Examination (Written and Practical) is part of the process.

How much do barbers make in North Dakota? expand_more

The median barber salary in North Dakota is $34,100 per year. This trails the $38,960 national median by 12%. Wages range from $27,410 (10th percentile) up to $57,300 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get barber certified in North Dakota? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($100) and application fee ($100) and required training.

How quickly can I become a barber in North Dakota? expand_more

In North Dakota, becoming a barber generally takes Approximately 23-27 months (11-15 months education + 12 months apprenticeship), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do barbers need in North Dakota? expand_more

North Dakota requires 6.0 hours of continuing education every 1.0 year to maintain your barber license.