Barber in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a Barber in Washington
To become a licensed barber in Washington, individuals must complete either a 1000-hour training program at a state-approved barber school or a 1200-hour approved apprenticeship. After meeting the education requirements, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by DL Roope Administrations Inc. Finally, a license application and a $35 fee must be submitted to the Washington State Department of Licensing. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and while Washington offers reciprocity, specific requirements apply for out-of-state licensees.
Barber Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Licensing |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1000 hours of training at a barber school or 1200 hours of an approved apprenticeship. |
| Exam | DL Roope Barber Examination (Theory and Practical) ($180) |
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 17 years old. A high school diploma or GED is typically required for school enrollment. A clean background check is mandatory. Passing score of 75% on both written and practical exams is required. |
Barber Salary in Washington
The median barber salary in Washington is $70,750 per year, which is 81.6% above the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $41,080 |
| 25th | $58,830 |
| 50th (median) | $70,750 |
| 75th | $108,080 |
| 90th (experienced) | $127,170 |
Washington employs approximately 360 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 Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.