Barber in Utah

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

Median annual salary

$25,290

trending_down -35.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Utah.

engineering

290

Jobs (UT)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$254

Licensing fees

schedule

7-10 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in Utah

To become a licensed Barber in Utah, individuals must complete either a 1,000-hour training program at an approved barber college or a 1,250-hour apprenticeship under a licensed barber. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both the written and practical portions of the NIC National Barber Styling Examination. The final step involves submitting an application and a $60 fee to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, which also handles reciprocity for out-of-state licensees.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $23,500

25th percentile $24,050

50th (median) $25,290

75th percentile $25,640

90th (experienced) $25,740

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

checklist Utah requirements

Licensing body	Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
State license	Required
Education	1,000-hour training program or 1,250-hour apprenticeship
Exam	NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($194)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Licenses expire on September 30 of odd-numbered years. No minimum age specified. Background check may be required for those with a criminal record.

Source: Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing

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_circleUtah 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.

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Frequently asked questions

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

In Utah, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (1,000-hour training program or 1,250-hour apprenticeship), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($60 fee).

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

Yes, Utah requires a state license to practice as a barber. The licensing body is Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. You must pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical).

What do barbers earn in Utah? expand_more

barbers in Utah earn a median of $25,290 annually. This trails the $38,960 national median by 35%. Wages range from $23,500 (10th percentile) up to $25,740 (90th percentile).

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

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($194) and application fee ($60) and required training.

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

In Utah, becoming a barber generally takes 7-10 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.