Barber in South Dakota

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

National Median
$38,960
All states
License Fees
$150
Exam + application
Time to Complete
At least 21 months (9 months education + 12 months apprenticeship)
From start to licensed

How to Become a Barber in South Dakota

To become a licensed Barber in South Dakota, you must complete 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved barber school, followed by one year as a registered apprentice under a registered barber. You must then pass a written and practical examination administered by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners. The written exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Examination. The minimum age requirement is 18, and applicants must have completed the 10th grade or its equivalent. South Dakota offers reciprocity, accepting training from other states if it's equivalent to their 1,500-hour requirement, with provisions for those with fewer hours or no apprenticeship.

Barber Requirements in South Dakota

DetailSouth Dakota
Licensing BodySouth Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
State License Required Yes
Education1500-hour training program at a barber school with instruction of at least nine months, followed by one year as a registered apprentice under a registered barber.
Experience Required1,500.0 hours
Exam Written and Practical Examination given by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners (Written exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Examination) ($100)
Application Fee$50
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesMinimum age 18. Completion of 10th grade or equivalent. Must pass a written and practical examination. Licenses expire on June 30th every year. Renewal fee is $75. Lapsed renewal fees apply. A 3x5 current photograph is required for reciprocity. South Dakota does not currently allow apprenticeships as a career path to become a barber, but requires a one-year apprenticeship after schooling.

Source: South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners

Barber Salary in South Dakota

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 are the steps to becoming a barber in South Dakota?
South Dakota requires barbers to complete the required education (1500-hour training program at a barber school with instruction of at least nine months, followed by one year as a registered apprentice under a registered barber.), gain 1,500.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Written and Practical Examination given by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners (Written exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Examination), and submit your application ($50 fee).
Is a barber license required in South Dakota?
South Dakota mandates state licensure for barbers. South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners oversees the process, which includes passing the Written and Practical Examination given by the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners (Written exam is the NIC National Barber Styling Theory Examination).
What's the total cost to get barber certified in South Dakota?
Costs include exam fee ($100) and application fee ($50). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a barber in South Dakota?
Expect to spend At least 21 months (9 months education + 12 months apprenticeship) from start to finish in South Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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