Barber in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA
How to Become a Barber in Pennsylvania
To become a licensed Barber in Pennsylvania, individuals must complete 1,250 hours of training in a licensed barber school or barber shop over a minimum of nine months. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a practical and theoretical examination administered by Pearson VUE. The Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners handles the licensing process, and applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 8th grade. Pennsylvania offers reciprocity with several states, allowing licensed barbers from those states to obtain a Pennsylvania license without examination.
Barber Requirements in Pennsylvania
| Detail | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1,250 hours of instruction in a licensed barber school or 1,250 hours of training in a licensed barber shop. |
| Experience Required | 1,250.0 hours |
| Exam | Pearson VUE Barber Examination ($140) |
| Application Fee | $33 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed the 8th grade. A criminal history record check is required for reciprocity applicants. Mobile barber shops are prohibited in Pennsylvania. |
Barber Salary in Pennsylvania
The median barber salary in Pennsylvania is $42,570 per year, which is 9.3% above the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $27,860 |
| 25th | $29,140 |
| 50th (median) | $42,570 |
| 75th | $50,000 |
| 90th (experienced) | $52,900 |
Pennsylvania employs approximately 920 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 Pennsylvania Worth It?
Factors to consider: Pennsylvania's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.