Barber in South Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC
How to Become a Barber in South Carolina
To become a licensed barber in South Carolina, individuals must complete either a 1,500-hour training program at a Board-approved barber college or 1,920 hours (12 months) of on-the-job training under a licensed barber instructor. After completing the required education, applicants must pass both the theory and practical portions of the National Interstate Council (NIC) examination. The South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners handles licensing, and reciprocity is available for barbers licensed in other states who meet specific criteria, including having passed the NIC examination.
Barber Requirements in South Carolina
| Detail | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | South Carolina State Board of Barber Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500 hours in a Board-approved barber college or 1,920 hours/12 months of on-the-job training under a licensed barber instructor. |
| Exam | National Interstate Council (NIC) examination (Theory and Practical) ($175) |
| Application Fee | $45 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age is 17 years old. Must have at least a 9th-grade education or equivalent. The license issued is for a 'Registered Barber' or 'Master Hair Care Specialist'. CE hours are not required for the first renewal cycle. For subsequent renewals, barbers do not have a specific CE requirement listed on the Board of Barber Examiners website, but other licensees under LLR (like cosmetologists) have 4 hours biennially, including sanitation and safety. It is recommended to check directly with the Board for barber-specific CE requirements for subsequent renewals. |
License Tiers
South Carolina offers multiple tiers of barber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | 1,500 |
| Master Hair Care Specialist | N/A |
Barber Salary in South Carolina
The median barber salary in South Carolina is $37,300 per year, which is 4.3% below the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $19,490 |
| 25th | $28,440 |
| 50th (median) | $37,300 |
| 75th | $49,500 |
| 90th (experienced) | $62,950 |
South Carolina employs approximately 490 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 South Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: South Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.