Barber in Louisiana

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

Median Salary
$49,850
Louisiana (2024)
National Median
$38,960
All states
License Fees
$72
Exam + application
Time to Complete
12-18.5 months for barber college, 2 years for apprenticeship
From start to licensed

How to Become a Barber in Louisiana

To become a licensed Barber in Louisiana, individuals must complete at least 1500 hours of training at a state-approved barber college or a 4000-hour apprenticeship program. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by the NIC. The licensing body is the Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners, and licenses must be renewed annually. Reciprocity is available for barbers licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

Barber Requirements in Louisiana

DetailLouisiana
Licensing BodyLouisiana Board of Barber Examiners
State License Required Yes
Education1500 hours of training from a state-approved barber college or 4000 hours through a registered apprenticeship program. High school diploma or GED is also required.
Exam NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($32)
Application Fee$40
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesApplicants must be at least 17 years old (18 according to some sources) and have a high school diploma or GED. A background check may be required. Exams are conducted by the NIC.

Source: Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners

Barber Salary in Louisiana

The median barber salary in Louisiana is $49,850 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $38,960.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$28,890
25th$32,150
50th (median)$49,850
75th$53,390
90th (experienced)$54,470

Louisiana employs approximately 40 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 Louisiana Worth It?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a barber in Louisiana?
The path to barber licensure in Louisiana: complete the required education (1500 hours of training from a state-approved barber college or 4000 hours through a registered apprenticeship program. High school diploma or GED is also required.), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($40 fee).
Does Louisiana require barber licensure?
Yes, Louisiana requires a state license to practice as a barber. The licensing body is Louisiana Board of Barber Examiners. You must pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical).
What do barbers earn in Louisiana?
barbers in Louisiana earn a median of $49,850 annually. That's 28% above the national median of $38,960. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $28,890, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $54,470.
What's the total cost to get barber certified in Louisiana?
Costs include exam fee ($32) and application fee ($40). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does barber certification take in Louisiana?
Expect to spend 12-18.5 months for barber college, 2 years for apprenticeship from start to finish in Louisiana — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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