Barber in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary

$102,360

trending_up +162.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$295

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months (full-time program)

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in District of Columbia

To become a licensed Barber in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program at a Board-approved school or an approved 2000-hour apprenticeship program. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical). The application fee is $65, and the exam fee is $230. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 6 continuing education hours, including 2 hours of health and safety. The District of Columbia offers reciprocity for licenses from states with substantially equivalent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $71,350

25th percentile $78,080

50th (median) $102,360

75th percentile $103,390

90th (experienced) $107,760

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program
Experience	1,500.0 hours
Exam	NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($230)
Application fee	$65
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	6.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18 years old. Applicants must not have been convicted of crimes of moral turpitude. CE hours must include 2 hours of health and safety and 4 hours of general elective courses. First-time renewals are exempt from CE requirements. Apprenticeships are an alternative path requiring 2000 hours of work experience and classroom training, with the apprentice being at least 18 years of age.

Source: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology

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_circleDistrict of Columbia 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 District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, becoming a barber requires you to complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($65 fee).

Does District of Columbia require barber licensure? expand_more

Yes, District of Columbia requires a state license to practice as a barber. The licensing body is District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology. You must pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical).

How much do barbers make in District of Columbia? expand_more

The median barber salary in District of Columbia is $102,360 per year. This exceeds the $38,960 national median by 163%. New barbers start around $71,350; seasoned professionals can reach $107,760.

What are the fees to become a barber in District of Columbia? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($230) and application fee ($65). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a barber in District of Columbia? expand_more

The typical timeline in District of Columbia is 9-12 months (full-time program). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What are the continuing education requirements for barbers in District of Columbia? expand_more

Yes — barbers in District of Columbia must complete 6.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.