Barber Schools in Maryland
If you're considering attending a barber program in Maryland, you've come to the right place to get your questions answered. Browse our directory of barber schools in Maryland, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Barber Schools in Maryland
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8660 Pulaski Highway
Baltimore, MD 21237
29 Greenmeadow Drive
Timonium, MD 21093
8435 Annapolis Road
New Carrollton, MD 20784
3705 Branch Avenue Lower Level Unit 1010
Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748
8736 Arliss Street
Silver Spring, MD 20901
7351 Assateague Drive Suite 370
Jessup, MD 20794
Academy Of Professional Barber-Stylists – Accredited
Silver Spring, MD 20902
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Barber Schools Near Me
How to Become a Barber in Maryland
- 1,200 education hours or 2,250 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in Maryland is $35,410.
- There is a predicted 8% job increase between 2021–2031 for barbers nationally.
To become a barber in Maryland, you must complete a 2,250-hour apprenticeship under a master barber or 1,200 hours of training in a state-approved barber program. Then, you need to pass a theory exam and a practical exam. Finally, you have to apply and pay a fee to the board.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Maryland
Required to earn a barber license
Maryland barber programs include 200 hours of training on barbering theory and demonstrations of barber services and 1,000 hours of performing the barbering treatments you learn in the first part of your program.
The Maryland Board of Barbers reviews and approves the curriculum of each barber school program that applies for licensure. Expect to study topics like sanitation, barber tools, basic barbering science, and all commonly performed barber services in your barber school program.
A few more required topics of study are:
Maryland Barber Licensing Requirements
To get your Maryland barber's license, you must complete a barber program or apprenticeship, take a theory-based and practical exam, and pay a $50 initial licensing fee.
Maryland barber exams are administered by PSI. The tests include a 120-minute theory exam and a 100-minute practical exam. Taking both on one day costs $77, or you can take just one at a time for $49 each.
The required theory exam covers barber industry topics like:
You take the test on a computer and find out if you passed when you complete the test.
You need a 70% on the practical exam to pass. For the practical exam, be ready to perform services related to safety, hair cutting, and shaving on a mannequin in a barber shop setting.
Complete PSI's Special Arrangement Request Form if you need any accommodations on test day due to a disability.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Maryland?
Required to earn a barber license
Yes, you can become a licensed Maryland barber by completing an apprenticeship.
Your apprenticeship must include 2,250 hours of training and be sponsored by a Master Barber who oversees and reports your training hours to the state board.
Maryland Barber License Reciprocity
If you were trained or licensed as a barber in a state other than Maryland, you could sit for Maryland's licensing exams. But you must prove that your previous barber training aligns with Maryland's requirements.
Barber-Stylist and Cosmetology Crossover Barber Licenses in Maryland
Maryland offers a few specific types of barber's licenses and crossover licenses.
If you only want to perform basic barbering services, you may want to earn your Barber-Stylist License.
The four barber-stylist services you can offer are:
For this type of license, you're only required to complete 900 hours of training in a barber program. You can also do a 1,650-hour apprenticeship to meet your training requirements.
After completing your training, you must pass barber-stylist theory and practical exams. The services you're tested on are limited to those that barber-stylists perform.
Another license type is Master Barber. To be eligible for this license, you must have 15 months of experience and a passing score on the Master Barber practical and theory exams. As a Master Barber, you can oversee barber apprentices.
Maryland also offers "bridge" crossover licenses for Maryland cosmetologists who want to earn their barber license. Licensed Maryland cosmetologists only need to complete 600 hours of barbering instruction to be eligible for their crossover licensing exams
Barber License Renewal in Maryland
License renewal period
Continuing education required
You must renew your Maryland barber's license every two years. License expiration dates are based on individuals' original licensing dates. The board sends a renewal reminder and instructions 60 days before your license expires. Be on the lookout for important mail as your expiration date draws near.
You can renew your license online by submitting a short application and paying a $50 fee.
There are no continuing education requirements, though keeping your knowledge and skills sharp is always wise.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Maryland
Average yearly salary for barbers in Maryland
Barbers in Maryland earned an average yearly salary of $35,410 ($17.03 per hour) in 2022. The state doesn't publish growth expectations, but on the national level, the number of barber jobs is expected to grow by 8% between 2021 and 2031.
Contact the Maryland State Board of Barbers
- 500 North Calvert Street 3rd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
- Website: Maryland Department of Labor
- Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov
- Call: 410-230-6190
- Fax: 410-333-6314
Resources for Barbers in Maryland
Licensing FAQs
The Maryland Board of Barbers put together this handy FAQ document to answer common questions about barber licensing in the state.
Maryland Department of Labor Barber, Master Barber, and Barber Stylist Candidate Information Bulletin
This is the best place for the most comprehensive information about Maryland barber education, licensing, and exams.
Smocks and Clips Newsletter
The state board puts out this newsletter once a quarter. It includes updates from both the barber and cosmetology boards.