Barber in Maine
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ME
How to Become a Barber in Maine
To become a licensed Barber Hair Stylist in Maine, individuals must complete either a 1500-hour training program at a licensed school or a 2500-hour apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both the written and practical components of the NIC National Barber Styling Examination, administered by Prov, Inc. The licensing body is the Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program, and applicants must be at least 17 years old and have a 10th-grade education or equivalent. Maine offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with comparable requirements, and there are no continuing education requirements for license renewal.
Barber Requirements in Maine
| Detail | Maine |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Maine Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing Program |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500-hour training program or 2500-hour apprenticeship |
| Exam | NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) administered by Prov, Inc. ($248) |
| Application Fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Minimum age 17, 10th-grade education or equivalent required. Both written and practical exams must be passed within one year. A criminal background check fee of $21 is also required. |
Barber Salary in Maine
The median barber salary in Maine is $36,460 per year, which is 6.4% below the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $29,430 |
| 25th | $30,080 |
| 50th (median) | $36,460 |
| 75th | $50,850 |
| 90th (experienced) | $73,050 |
Maine employs approximately 70 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 Maine Worth It?
Factors to consider: Maine's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.