Barber in Ohio

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

Median annual salary

$46,930

trending_up +20.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$85

Licensing fees

schedule

12-18 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Ohio

To become a licensed barber in Ohio, individuals must complete an 1800-hour training program at a board-approved barber college. After completing the education, applicants must pass the Ohio State Barber Examination, which includes both a theory and practical component. The application fee for the license is $30, and the initial examination fee is $55. Ohio offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states with equivalent training requirements, and all licensees must complete 4 hours of continuing education every two years, including one hour of human trafficking awareness training.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,430

25th percentile $44,090

50th (median) $46,930

75th percentile $57,190

90th (experienced) $60,040

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

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
State license	Required
Education	1800-hour training program
Experience	1,800.0 hours
Exam	Ohio State Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($55)
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	4.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age to apply for a barber license or start barbering school is 16 years of age. All licensees are required to complete one hour of human trafficking awareness training, which includes a quiz that must be taken and passed before the application can be submitted. This is part of the 4 CE hours per cycle. Licensees 65 or older are exempt from CE hours, except for the human trafficking training. Ohio does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber. One year of licensed experience may be substituted for 100 hours of training, up to a maximum of 500 hours, for reciprocity applicants.

Source: The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

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_circleOhio 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 Ohio? expand_more

In Ohio, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (1800-hour training program), gain 1,800.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Ohio State Barber Examination (Theory and Practical), and submit your application ($30 fee).

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

Yes, Ohio requires a state license to practice as a barber. The licensing body is The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. You must pass the Ohio State Barber Examination (Theory and Practical).

How much do barbers make in Ohio? expand_more

The median barber salary in Ohio is $46,930 per year. This exceeds the $38,960 national median by 20%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $34,430, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $60,040.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($55) and application fee ($30) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does barber certification take in Ohio? expand_more

Most candidates in Ohio complete the process in 12-18 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What are the continuing education requirements for barbers in Ohio? expand_more

Ohio requires 4.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your barber license.