Barber in Pennsylvania

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

Median annual salary

$42,570

trending_up +9.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.

engineering

920

Jobs (PA)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$173

Licensing fees

schedule

at least 9 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Pennsylvania

To become a licensed Barber in Pennsylvania, individuals must complete 1,250 hours of training in a licensed barber school or barber shop over a minimum of nine months. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a practical and theoretical examination administered by Pearson VUE. The Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners handles the licensing process, and applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 8th grade. Pennsylvania offers reciprocity with several states, allowing licensed barbers from those states to obtain a Pennsylvania license without examination.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $27,860

25th percentile $29,140

50th (median) $42,570

75th percentile $50,000

90th (experienced) $52,900

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

checklist Pennsylvania requirements

Licensing body	Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1,250 hours of instruction in a licensed barber school or 1,250 hours of training in a licensed barber shop.
Experience	1,250.0 hours
Exam	Pearson VUE Barber Examination ($140)
Application fee	$33
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 8th grade. A criminal history record check is required for reciprocity applicants. Mobile barber shops are prohibited in Pennsylvania.

Source: Pennsylvania State 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_circlePennsylvania 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.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a barber in Pennsylvania? expand_more

The path to barber licensure in Pennsylvania: complete the required education (1,250 hours of instruction in a licensed barber school or 1,250 hours of training in a licensed barber shop.), gain 1,250.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Pearson VUE Barber Examination, and submit your application ($33 fee).

Is a barber license required in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Yes, Pennsylvania requires a state license to practice as a barber. The licensing body is Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners. You must pass the Pearson VUE Barber Examination.

How much does a barber make in Pennsylvania? expand_more

Pennsylvania barbers bring home a median salary of $42,570. — 9% higher than the $38,960 national figure. Wages range from $27,860 (10th percentile) up to $52,900 (90th percentile).

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

Between exam fee ($140) and application fee ($33), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Most candidates in Pennsylvania complete the process in at least 9 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.