Barber in Rhode Island

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

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$100

Licensing fees

schedule

8-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Rhode Island

To become a licensed Barber in Rhode Island, individuals must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. The primary pathway involves completing a 1500-hour training program at a state-approved barbering school, or a combination of 1000 classroom hours and 840 apprenticeship hours. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both the NIC written and practical examinations with a score of 70% or higher, and submit an application with supporting documents to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states, provided their educational requirements are equivalent.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

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

checklist Rhode Island requirements

Licensing body	Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program or 1000 hours of training and 840 hours of apprenticeship
Exam	NIC written and practical exams ($75)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED are required. Licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. Applicants must also submit a recent passport photograph, certified copy of birth certificate, high school transcripts, and barbering school transcripts. A score of 70% or higher is required on both written and practical exams.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing

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

How do you get certified as a barber in Rhode Island? expand_more

The path to barber licensure in Rhode Island: complete the required education (1500-hour training program or 1000 hours of training and 840 hours of apprenticeship), pass the NIC written and practical exams, and submit your application ($25 fee).

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

Rhode Island mandates state licensure for barbers. Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC written and practical exams.

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

Costs include exam fee ($75) and application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

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

In Rhode Island, becoming a barber generally takes 8-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.