Barbering Schools in Missouri
Missouri barbers are trained and licensed professionals who work on short hairstyles and facial hair. The pay is higher than average and adding additional licenses or certifications is straightforward relative to other states. Plus, you don't need to take additional classes to maintain your license—though we do recommend it.
Ready to learn more? This article covers how to become a barber in Missouri, including what to expect from a barber program or apprenticeship, how to renew your license, and information about the state's barber pay and job growth. Browse our directory of barbering schools in Missouri, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Barbering Schools in Missouri
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Capital Barber Academy – Accredited
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Klassic Transformations Barber Academy – Accredited
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Merrell University of Beauty Arts & Science – Accredited
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Merrell University of Beauty Arts & Science – Accredited
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Missouri College of Cosmetology North – Accredited
Springfield, MO 65804
Paul Mitchell The School St. Louis – Accredited
St. Louis, MO 63108
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:
Barbering Schools Near Me
Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Missouri have to offer.
How to Become a Barber in Missouri
- 1,000 education hours or 2,000 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 Missouri is $43,340.
- There is a predicted 8% job increase between 2021–2031 for barbers.
To become a barber in Missouri, you must complete a state-approved barber program or apprenticeship, pass written and practical exams, and apply and pay for your license.
Before enrolling in a program, you must:
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Missouri
Required to earn a barbering license
Missouri barber programs take approximately 1,000 hours or six months to complete. The Missouri barber exams cover theory and practical subjects like:
All barber schools and programs must be approved by the state.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Missouri?
Required to earn a barbering license
Yes, you can become a barber apprentice in Missouri beginning at age 17. To be a Missouri barber apprentice, you must earn an apprentice license (costing $25) and work for at least 2,000 hours under an approved supervisor. Apprentice workdays must be between three and 12 hours long, at between 15 to 72 hours per week.
Missouri Barber Licensing Requirements
To get your Missouri barber license, you must complete training, pass exams, pay fees, and meet some specific health and criminal record requirements.
Some, though not all, barber license requirements in Missouri include:
When it's time to take your Missouri barber exams, you need to arrive on time and leave non-essential items at home. Guests aren't allowed. If you need assistance or ADA accommodations, such as an ASL interpreter, request it when you apply for your exam online.
The theory ($88) and practical ($58) exams are offered at specific locations and on certain dates throughout the year. Be sure to apply for your desired date as soon as possible. Once you pass the exams, you need to pay a $20 Certification of Registration (initial license) fee so you can get your license and get to work.
If you're a veteran going for your Missouri barber license, you may qualify to have your exam fees covered.
Missouri Barber License Reciprocity
Barbers moving to Missouri may be eligible for reciprocity if they've practiced for at least two years in a row and have no current disciplinary action. Those not meeting the requirements could get licensure by taking Missouri's barber exams and paying fees. Both options come with a $100 fee for Missouri licenses.
Barber Specialties and Crossover Licenses
If you want to expand upon your barber career, Missouri offers direct crossover licenses between barbering and cosmetology. You must complete 500 cosmetology training hours or 500 to 1,000 apprenticeship hours, depending on how long you've been licensed. Cosmetologists in Missouri can also cross over to barbering.
If you want to practice hair braiding in addition to working as a barber, you need to register with the state after watching an approved instructional video. The registration fee is $20.
Barber License Renewal in Missouri
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Barber licenses have to be renewed by September 30 on odd years and come with a $30 fee. Late payments before November 30 of that year are an additional $60. Beyond that, up to two years later, you must contact the board directly. You must re-take the practical exam if your license lapses for two to five years.
Missouri barbers don't need to take continuing education classes to renew their licenses, but doing so is a good idea so you can stay on top of your game.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Missouri
Average yearly salary for barbering in Missouri
Barbers in Missouri average $43,340 per year ($20.84 per hour), which is much more than the nationwide average barber salary. Though Missouri doesn't publish details, the number of barber jobs is expected to grow by 8 percent between 2021 and 2031.
How much barbers make in Missouri also varies between metro and nonmetropolitan areas. Missouri barber pay ranges from approximately $27,240 to $65,310, also higher than the national average!
The median pay for the highest-paying cities in the state are:
Contact the Missouri State Board of Barbering
- 3605 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65102
- Website: Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
- Email: cosbar@pr.mo.gov
- Call: 573-751-1052
- Fax: 573-751-8167
Resources for Barbers in Missouri
Missouri Barber Association
Use this resource for networking, professional recognition, business growth, and more.
State Beauty Supply
A wholesale salon and supply company in St. Louis, Kansas City, Chillicothe, Rolla, and Washington.