Barber in Maryland
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD
How to Become a Barber in Maryland
To become a licensed Barber in Maryland, individuals must complete either a 1200-hour training program at a barber school or a 2250-hour apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass the PSI Barber Examination, which includes both a theory and practical component. The application fee for a barber license is $50, and the license is valid for two years. Maryland also offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states, provided their qualifications are equivalent or greater than Maryland's, and they have two years of notarized work experience. A one-hour domestic violence awareness training is required for initial licensure and renewals, effective January 1, 2026.
Barber Requirements in Maryland
| Detail | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Maryland State Board of Barbers |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1200-hour training program or 2250-hour apprenticeship |
| Experience Required | 1,200.0 hours |
| Exam | PSI Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($77) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. A one-hour domestic violence awareness training is required for initial licensure and renewals, effective January 1, 2026. Maryland issues a 'Master Barber' license which requires 15 months of experience as a licensed barber and passing a master barber exam. |
Source: Maryland State Board of Barbers
License Tiers
Maryland offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | 2,250 |
| Master Barber | 1,200 |
Barber Salary in Maryland
The median barber salary in Maryland is $46,530 per year, which is 19.4% above the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,870 |
| 25th | $45,920 |
| 50th (median) | $46,530 |
| 75th | $49,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $69,230 |
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 Maryland Worth It?
Factors to consider: Maryland's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.