Barber in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in South Dakota
To become a licensed Barber in South Dakota, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved barber school, followed by one year as a registered apprentice under a registered barber. You must then pass a written and practical examination administered by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners. The written exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Examination. The minimum age requirement is 18, and applicants must have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent. South Dakota offers reciprocity, accepting training from other states if it's equivalent to their 1,500-hour requirement, with provisions for those with fewer hours or no apprenticeship.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist South Dakota requirements
| Licensing body | South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1500-hour training program at a barber school with instruction of at least nine months, followed by one year as a registered apprentice under a registered barber. |
| Experience | 1,500.0 hours |
| Exam | Written and Practical Examination given by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners (Written exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Examination) ($100) |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. Completion of 10th grade or equivalent. Must pass a written and practical examination. Licenses expire on June 30th every year. Renewal fee is $75. Lapsed renewal fees apply. A 3x5 current photograph is required for reciprocity. South Dakota does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber, but requires a one-year apprenticeship after schooling. |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.