Barber in Arkansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AR

Median Salary
$24,700
Arkansas (2024)
National Median
$38,960
All states
License Fees
$125
Exam + application
Time to Complete
9-10 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Barber in Arkansas

To become a licensed Barber in Arkansas, individuals must complete a 1,500-hour training program at a board-approved school. Following this, applicants must pass a practical demonstration and a written and oral theory examination. The Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners handles licensing, and applicants must be at least 16.5 years old and have completed the 8th grade. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in other states with equivalent requirements.

Barber Requirements in Arkansas

DetailArkansas
Licensing BodyArkansas State Board of Barber Examiners
State License Required Yes
Education1500-hour training program
Experience Required1,500.0 hours
Exam Arkansas State Board Barber Examination ($75)
Application Fee$50
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesApplicants must be at least 16.5 years old and have completed the 8th grade. A pre-licensure criminal background check may be required. Applicants must also test negative for TB and on a Wassermann test.

Source: Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners

Barber Salary in Arkansas

The median barber salary in Arkansas is $24,700 per year, which is 36.6% below the national median of $38,960.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$23,210
25th$23,420
50th (median)$24,700
75th$29,450
90th (experienced)$39,530

Arkansas employs approximately 180 barbers.

Barber Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
8.4
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
76
Nationwide

AI Impact on Barbers

Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.

Is Becoming a Barber in Arkansas Worth It?

Factors to consider: Arkansas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a barber in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires barbers to complete the required education (1500-hour training program), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Arkansas State Board Barber Examination, and submit your application ($50 fee).
Is a barber license required in Arkansas?
A state license is required in Arkansas. Arkansas State Board of Barber Examiners handles barber licensing — the Arkansas State Board Barber Examination is part of the process.
What is the average barber salary in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the median pay for barbers comes to $24,700/year. — 37% under the $38,960 national average. The range spans from $23,210 at the entry level to $39,530 for top earners.
How much does it cost to become a barber in Arkansas?
Between exam fee ($75) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does barber certification take in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, becoming a barber generally takes 9-10 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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