Barber in Oklahoma

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

Median annual salary

$31,450

trending_down -19.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oklahoma.

engineering

120

Jobs (OK)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$105

Licensing fees

schedule

10-14 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Oklahoma

To become a licensed Barber in Oklahoma, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program at an accredited barber school. They must then pass both a written and practical examination administered by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The application fee is $40, and the written exam fee is $65. As of November 1, 2025, licenses will be renewed every two years, and starting January 1, 2026, 12 hours of continuing education will be required for renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $16,480

25th percentile $24,110

50th (median) $31,450

75th percentile $33,750

90th (experienced) $34,190

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

checklist Oklahoma requirements

Licensing body	Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program
Experience	1,500.0 hours
Exam	Oklahoma State Board Barber Examination ($65)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	12.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 8th grade. As of November 1, 2025, licenses will transition to a biennial (every two years) renewal cycle. Beginning January 1, 2026, licensees will need to complete 12 hours of continuing education courses approved by the Board within the 24 months preceding license renewal or reactivation. A background check is mandatory.

Source: Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

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_circleOklahoma 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 you get certified as a barber in Oklahoma? expand_more

The path to barber licensure in Oklahoma: complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Oklahoma State Board Barber Examination, and submit your application ($40 fee).

Is a barber license required in Oklahoma? expand_more

A state license is required in Oklahoma. Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering handles barber licensing — the Oklahoma State Board Barber Examination is part of the process.

What is the average barber salary in Oklahoma? expand_more

barbers in Oklahoma earn a median of $31,450 annually. This trails the $38,960 national median by 19%. The range spans from $16,480 at the entry level to $34,190 for top earners.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($65) and application fee ($40) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a barber in Oklahoma? expand_more

The typical timeline in Oklahoma is 10-14 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do barbers need in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma requires 12.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your barber license.