Barber in Rhode Island

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

National Median
$38,960
All states
License Fees
$100
Exam + application
Time to Complete
8-12 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Barber in Rhode Island

To become a licensed Barber in Rhode Island, individuals must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. The primary pathway involves completing a 1500-hour training program at a state-approved barbering school, or a combination of 1000 classroom hours and 840 apprenticeship hours. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both the NIC written and practical examinations with a score of 70% or higher, and submit an application with supporting documents to the Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing. Rhode Island offers reciprocity for barbers licensed in other states, provided their educational requirements are equivalent.

Barber Requirements in Rhode Island

DetailRhode Island
Licensing BodyRhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing
State License Required Yes
Education1500-hour training program or 1000 hours of training and 840 hours of apprenticeship
Exam NIC written and practical exams ($75)
Application Fee$25
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED are required. Licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. Applicants must also submit a recent passport photograph, certified copy of birth certificate, high school transcripts, and barbering school transcripts. A score of 70% or higher is required on both written and practical exams.

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing

Barber Salary in Rhode Island

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

How do you get certified as a barber in Rhode Island?
The path to barber licensure in Rhode Island: complete the required education (1500-hour training program or 1000 hours of training and 840 hours of apprenticeship), pass the NIC written and practical exams, and submit your application ($25 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a barber in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island mandates state licensure for barbers. Rhode Island Department of Health, Board of Barbering and Hairdressing oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC written and practical exams.
What's the total cost to get barber certified in Rhode Island?
Costs include exam fee ($75) and application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How long does it take to become a barber in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, becoming a barber generally takes 8-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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