Barber in Oregon

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

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$120

Licensing fees

schedule

8-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Oregon

To become a licensed Barber in Oregon, individuals must obtain a Barbering Practitioner Certificate from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Health Licensing Office (HLO), Board of Cosmetology. Applicants need to complete 746 curriculum hours, 465 practical operations, and 40 hours of Oregon Laws and Rules and Career Development training at a Board-approved school. After completing the education, candidates must pass a Barbering Written Examination, an Oregon Laws & Rules Written Examination, and a practical exam. Oregon accepts reciprocity from all U.S. states, territories, and foreign countries, requiring proof of licensure and passing both written exams.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

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

checklist Oregon requirements

Licensing body	Oregon Health Authority, Board of Cosmetology
State license	Required
Education	746 curriculum hours + 465 practical operations + 40 hours (20 hours Oregon Laws and Rules, 20 hours Career Development)
Exam	Barbering Written Examination, Oregon Laws & Rules Written Examination, and a practical exam ($90)
Application fee	$30
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Oregon does not specify a minimum age or require a high school diploma/GED for practitioner certification. A practical exam is required and administered by a Board-approved school. Effective July 1, 2025, all renewing practitioners must complete and maintain current bloodborne pathogens (BBP) training annually. Oregon barbers cannot perform chemical treatments such as coloring, dyeing, or permanent waves.

Source: Oregon Health Authority, Board of Cosmetology

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.

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psychology

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Frequently asked questions

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

Oregon requires barbers to complete the required education (746 curriculum hours + 465 practical operations + 40 hours (20 hours Oregon Laws and Rules, 20 hours Career Development)), pass the Barbering Written Examination, Oregon Laws & Rules Written Examination, and a practical exam, and submit your application ($30 fee).

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

You cannot practice as a barber in Oregon without a state license from Oregon Health Authority, Board of Cosmetology. The required exam is the Barbering Written Examination, Oregon Laws & Rules Written Examination, and a practical exam.

How much does it cost to become a barber in Oregon? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($90) and application fee ($30) and required training.

How long does it take to become a barber in Oregon? expand_more

Most candidates in Oregon complete the process in 8-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.