Barber in Texas

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

Median annual salary
$36,400
trending_down -6.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering
3,920

Jobs (TX)

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$183

Licensing fees

schedule
7-14 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Texas

To become a licensed Class A Barber in Texas, individuals must complete a 1,000-hour training program at a TDLR-licensed barbering/cosmetology school. After completing the required education, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI. Finally, a non-refundable application fee of $50 is required to obtain the license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). While Texas does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for barbers, TDLR does evaluate out-of-state licenses for substantial equivalence.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $27,310
25th percentile $29,150
50th (median) $36,400
75th percentile $64,140
90th (experienced) $94,350

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

checklist Texas requirements

Licensing bodyTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
State license Required
Education1000-hour training program
ExamPSI Barber Examination (Written and Practical) ($133)
Application fee$50
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education4.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 17. CE hours must include 1 hour in sanitation and 1 hour in human trafficking awareness. If licensed for 15 years or more, only 2 CE hours are required (1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking awareness).

Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

workspace_premium Texas license tiers

Texas offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:

Tier Hours required
Class A Barber 1,000

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_circleTexas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a barber in Texas? expand_more
Texas requires barbers to complete the required education (1000-hour training program), pass the PSI Barber Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($50 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a barber in Texas? expand_more
Texas mandates state licensure for barbers. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees the process, which includes passing the PSI Barber Examination (Written and Practical).
How much does a barber make in Texas? expand_more
The median barber salary in Texas is $36,400 per year. — 7% under the $38,960 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $27,310, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $94,350.
What's the total cost to get barber certified in Texas? expand_more
Between exam fee ($133) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a barber in Texas? expand_more
Expect to spend 7-14 months from start to finish in Texas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for barbers in Texas? expand_more
Yes — barbers in Texas must complete 4.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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