Barber in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA
How to Become a Barber in Iowa
To become a licensed Barber in Iowa, individuals must complete either a 2100-hour training program or a 2380-hour apprenticeship program. After completing the education, applicants must pass the NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam (effective July 1, 2024), with a practical exam being optional for a shaving certificate. The licensing body is the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing, and the application fee is $60. Iowa offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other states with similar requirements, provided they meet specific criteria including an hour of Iowa barbering laws and sanitation, and passing the NIC exams if not already done.
Barber Requirements in Iowa
| Detail | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 2100-hour training program or 2380-hour apprenticeship program |
| Exam | NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam (effective July 1, 2024). Practical exam is optional for shaving certificate. ($83) |
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 3.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 17 at time of state board exam. Must have a high school diploma or GED. First renewal period after initial license is exempt from CE requirements. CE hours must include 1 hour in Iowa barbering law and 2 hours in sanitation/infection control or HIV/AIDS awareness. A background check is required. |
Source: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Barber Salary in Iowa
The median barber salary in Iowa is $78,480 per year, which is 101.4% above the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,450 |
| 25th | $58,940 |
| 50th (median) | $78,480 |
| 75th | $78,510 |
| 90th (experienced) | $79,660 |
Iowa employs approximately 140 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 Iowa Worth It?
Factors to consider: Iowa's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.