Barber in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA
How to Become a Barber in California
To become a licensed Barber in California, individuals must complete a 1000-hour training program at a Board-approved school or a 3200-hour apprenticeship. After meeting the education prerequisite, applicants must pass the California State Barber Licensing Written Exam. The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology handles licensing, and applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees with equivalent requirements.
Barber Requirements in California
| Detail | California |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1000-hour training program or 3200-hour apprenticeship |
| Exam | California State Barber Licensing Exam (Written) ($125) |
| Application Fee | $125 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 17 and completion of 10th grade or equivalent. Apprenticeship requires 39 hours of pre-apprentice training. A background check is required. The practical exam is no longer required as of January 1, 2022. |
License Tiers
California offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | 2,000 |
| Barber | 1,000 |
Barber Salary in California
The median barber salary in California is $36,590 per year, which is 6.1% below the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,870 |
| 25th | $34,630 |
| 50th (median) | $36,590 |
| 75th | $57,240 |
| 90th (experienced) | $63,910 |
California employs approximately 1,630 barbers.
Barber Job Outlook
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 California Worth It?
Factors to consider: California's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.