Barber in New Mexico

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

National Median
$38,960
All states
License Fees
$261
Exam + application
Time to Complete
9-12 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Barber in New Mexico

To become a licensed Barber in New Mexico, individuals must complete a 1,200-hour training program at a board-approved school. They must then pass the NIC Barber Examination, which includes both a theory and practical component, as well as a New Mexico State Law Examination. The initial application fee is $100, and licenses are renewed every two years. New Mexico offers reciprocity to barbers licensed in other states with comparable training hours and good standing, and has specific agreements with New York, Maine, and Pennsylvania.

Barber Requirements in New Mexico

DetailNew Mexico
Licensing BodyNew Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
State License Required Yes
Education1200-hour training program
Experience Required1,200.0 hours
Exam NIC Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) and New Mexico State Law Examination ($161)
Application Fee$100
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age: 17 years old. Must have completed at least the 10th grade or equivalent. Licenses expire at the end of the licensee's birth month. Examination scores are only valid for 12 months from the date of training completion for those who started training on or after December 17, 2015. For those who started training before December 17, 2015, scores are valid for 24 months. A background check is likely required.

Source: New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Barber Salary in New Mexico

PercentileAnnual Salary

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's required to work as a barber in New Mexico?
To become a barber in New Mexico, you need to complete the required education (1200-hour training program), gain 1,200.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NIC Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) and New Mexico State Law Examination, and submit your application ($100 fee).
Is a barber license required in New Mexico?
A state license is required in New Mexico. New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists handles barber licensing — the NIC Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) and New Mexico State Law Examination is part of the process.
What's the total cost to get barber certified in New Mexico?
Between exam fee ($161) and application fee ($100), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a barber in New Mexico?
Most candidates in New Mexico complete the process in 9-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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