Barber Schools in New York State
If you're considering a barber career in New York, we're here to help. Browse our directory of barber schools in New York, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Barber Schools in New York
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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.
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Barber Schools Near Me
Check out the Barbering schools these cities in New York have to offer.
How to Become a Barber in New York
- Education hours required to become licensed vary by school. Alternatively, you may complete a 2-year apprenticeship.
- You must renew your license every 4 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in New York is $32,050.
- There is a predicted 4% job increase between 2024–2034 for barbers nationally.
To become a barber in New York, you must be at least 17, complete a barber program or apprenticeship, take an infectious disease course, and pass a practical exam.
The NYS Department of State (DOS) oversees New York barber licenses. It requires barbers who go through an apprenticeship or reciprocity to have an elementary education.
But, if you want to become a barber through a training program, you need more than an elementary education. All barber programs must be approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In addition, schools must ensure students have a diploma, GED, "Ability to Benefit," or Wonderlic Basic Skills Test scores of 200 verbal and 210 quantitative.
You also need to have a medical professional complete a form certifying you don't have any infectious or contagious diseases. Further, you have to undergo a background check. A criminal conviction doesn't always bar you from a barber license. However, the state must review your record to ensure you're a good fit for a job behind the chair.
Unusually, the NYS DOS allows schools to set their own training hours. The state has a pre-approved curriculum running about 500 hours. But schools can use that as a guide more than a rulebook. Check your program's website for the exact hours you need to graduate.
You can also become licensed by completing a two-year apprenticeship. Like traditional barber schools, apprenticeships have no set number of hours.
Additionally, you must take an HIV/AIDS training course to be licensed. This covers several diseases barbers could encounter, so you may see the course listed as Infection Control or similar.
You have to complete the course at an approved school. You also need to take bloodborne pathogen and sanitization practices training.
You aren't required to learn about signs of abuse. Still, you're encouraged to take domestic violence training and review NYS resources. Barbers get up close and personal, physically and emotionally, with clients. This means they may recognize signs comparatively quickly.
After finishing training and safety courses, you can sign up for your practical exam. New York doesn't require a written exam, unlike many other states.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a barbering license
New York barber schools set the length of time it takes to complete their programs. But all must teach about sanitation, safety, relevant chemistry and biology, and barbering services.
NYSDOS doesn't have a set number of training hours. But they do require the following:
The courses required by the NYSED for barbering programs mirror the licensing exam. Only barber programs that teach these courses are approved:
NYSED also decides which programs can offer the mandatory HIV course. There are specific criteria for approved HIV course providers. If your school doesn't offer HIV/infectious disease courses, there are online options.
Barber schools have to have textbooks and equipment meeting industry standards. Further, they must try to prepare you for your practical exam and career.
While barber and cosmetology licenses are separate, some crossover programs are available.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in New York?
Required to earn a barbering license
You can become a barber in New York by completing a two-year apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed barber. The goal of an apprenticeship is to prepare you to pass the state licensing exam under the supervision of a well-rounded barber.
Before you begin, you must get an apprentice license. You can register for this license online on the same site as issues full operational barber licenses. To get your apprentice license, you must be at least 17 and get checked for infectious diseases and general health. Even apprentices need to take an approved infectious disease/HIV course.
NYSDOS doesn't set the hours you must complete within those two years. But, you do have to track and submit your hours to the DOS after you pass your exam and apply for your full license.
You can also go through a cosmetology apprenticeship if it covers the aspects of barbering in your practical exam, like shaving.
New York Barber Licensing Requirements
To get your operational barber's license in New York you must pass a practical exam and pay a $40 initial licensure fee after completing training. NYDOS Division of Licensing Services oversees the exam.
You can register online and pay the $15 fee when you're ready to take your barbering exam.
On the day of your exam, bring a government-issued photo ID. The approved forms of identification are on the barbering exam information page. You should also bring your own mannequin and necessary supplies. What you need to bring is also listed in the registration instructions.
Dress professionally—like you would at work in a real barber shop—and wear closed-toe shoes.
The exam takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete and requires you to perform these services
You get an email notification when your exam results come in, which you can access online. If you pass, you receive your license in the mail and if you fail, you can use the online system to register for a retake.
For accommodations, complete a form about your accommodation and provide supporting documentation.
New York Barber License Reciprocity
New York has reciprocal agreements in place with Maine, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico. So, if you have an active license in one of these states, you can begin your New York barbering career right away.
You may also be eligible for a license if you went through a barber program in another state with similar expectations. To do this, submit paperwork detailing your program and proof of graduation. You still need to take the New York practical exam for this licensure path.
The final path to a New York barber's license is via professional experience in another state. Suppose you have three years of barbering experience outside New York. In that case, your state's board can send documentation certifying your experience. However, you still have to take the New York practical exam.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
You need to renew your New York barber license every four years. There are no continuing education hours required for renewal. But, you should stay on top of barbering trends and technologies. License holders receive an email reminder when it's time to renew a license. New York barber licenses are renewed online for a $40 fee.
New York Barbering Careers
Average yearly salary for barbers in New York
As of 2024, barbers in New York earned a median salary of $32,050 per year. Pay ranged from $32,050 or less to $86,050 or more, with amounts affected by factors like location, years of experience, and services offered.
Barber job growth projects aren't available for New York. Nationwide, the number of barbering roles is expected to grow by 4% between 2024 and 2034.
Contact the New York State Board of Barbering
- 99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12231
- Website: New York State Division Of Licensing Services
- Call: 518-474-4429
- Fax: 518-473-6648
Resources for Barbers in New York
Barbers NYC Facebook Group
This Facebook group is for barbers in New York looking for a job and for shops looking to hire barbers.
New York Barber License FAQs
The state department maintains a robust FAQ section.