Barber Schools in Montana

If you're interested in training to become a barber in Montana, you're in the right place! This page provides information about Montana barber schools and the requirements for getting licensed.

Browse our directory of barber schools in Montana, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber license requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Barber in Montana

To become a barber in Montana, you need to complete a 1,100-hour barber training program, pass a written and practical barber exam with a 75% or higher, and for a barber license. In Montana, you can also earn a nonchemical barber license, which involves only 900 training hours and enables you to perform clipper cuts and shaves but not chemical applications.

What To Expect From a Barber Program in Montana

To become a fully licensed barber in Montana—allowing you to perform haircutting, shaving services, and chemical applications—you must complete a 1,100-hour barber school program.

You can expect barber schools in Montana to offer this curriculum:

• Haircutting: 185 hours
• Shampooing, scalp treatments, and hair: 165 hours
• Chemical services: 295 hours
• Facial shaving with straight razor: 45 hours
• Science related to hair and skin care: 60 hours
• Shop management, cleanliness, and business ethics: 75 hours
• Additional instruction (at the discretion of the school): 275 hours

For a nonchemical license, the curriculum includes:

• Haircutting: 225 hours
• Shampooing, scalp treatments, and hair styling: 205 hours
• Skincare: 55 hours
• Chemistry, bacteriology, sanitation, anatomy, physiology: 75 hours
• Shop management, state board rules and laws: 90 hours
• Additional instruction (at school's discretion): 250 hours

Your barber school training must be completed within three years of the original enrollment date.

Montana Barber Licensing Requirements

To work as a barber in Montana, you must earn a license from the state board by submitting proof that:

• You're at least 18 and have a high school diploma (or its equivalent).
• You graduated from a state-approved 1,100-hour barber school program (or a 900-hour nonchemical program).
• You completed at least 90% of your required training curriculum and passed the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) barber exam.
• You completed the license application and sent it to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists with the above documentation and the $80 license fee.

The barber exam is a critical step in getting your license. You must apply to take the exam with one of the two test-administration entities in Montana, D.L. Roope or Prov. The company sends you a letter or email confirming your registration and test date/location or an opportunity to schedule your test.

On the exam day, you must present a valid photo ID. Expect to take both a 90-minute written exam and a three-hour practical exam to demonstrate your barbering skills. You may have to take the written and practical portions at different times and locations.

You must receive a 75% on each portion to earn your license. If you fail to reach this score on either part, you can apply to retake the exam and pay the $80 fee again. If you fail three times, you must wait 60 days before re-applying.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Montana?

No, Montana doesn't allow apprenticeship as a path to earning a barber license.

You can qualify for an out-of-state license with an unencumbered license from another state.

You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a board-approved barber exam or graduate from an approved barber school with at least 1,100 hours of academic training as provided in the state's curriculum (or 900 hours for a nonchemical barber license)

You may also be able to apply professional experience earned in other states toward your Montana license if the board determines your experience is similar in scope to the state's requirements.

Military training, service, or education may also apply to your licensure requirements.

Barber License Renewal in Montana

Your barber license must be renewed every two years, between January 2 and March 1; late renewals are accepted through April 15. The renewal fee is $80, and there's an additional $80 fee (for a total of $160) for late renewal. No continuing education is required for renewal, although staying current on laws, trends, and techniques is beneficial.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Montana

Salary and job growth data specific to Montana barbers aren't available. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual salary for barbers nationwide is $39,350, or $18.92 per hour, as of May 2022.

Barber jobs nationwide are projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032.

Contact the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Resources for Barbers in Montana

Montana Barber Association
This state chapter of the American Barber Association offers members connections to fellow professionals, information to grow their businesses, opportunities to participate in events and community service, professional recognition, access to continuing education, and more.

Montana Cosmetologists & Barbering Club
This private, members-only Facebook group is for licensed barbers and cosmetologists in Montana to share tips and career opportunities and support each other in the profession.