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:
2100 education hours are required to become licensed.
You must renew your license every 2 years.
8 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
The average salary for barbers in Iowa is $29,710 ($14.28/hour). This is higher than the national average of $30,150 ($14.50/hour).
There is a predicted 13% job increase between 2016-2026 for barbers. This is higher than the expected national growth of 7%.
Barbers are individuals who work primarily with men's hair and grooming needs. They cut and style hair, color it, fit hairpieces, and shave, style, and cut facial hair. Barbering activities happen most often in barber shops located in cities and towns all over the country. But there are other places that barbers work. Some barbers work in beauty salons, others in hotels and spas, and still others in special settings such as hospitals and nursing homes, prisons, and other locations.
If you enjoy helping people to look and feel attractive and well groomed, and you enjoy being with people and talking with them about a wide range of subjects, barbering in the state of Iowa might be a good choice of career for you!
State License Requirements
2100 Education Hours
Required to earn a barbering license
To practice barbering in Iowa requires that you pass a licensing exam given by the Iowa Board of Cosmetology. You must complete 2100 hours of study at an accredited school, either a school of cosmetology or a school of barbering. The exam consists of a theoretical (written) part and a practical (skills) part. Once you have passed the exam and paid the required fee, you will receive your license. The license must be renewed every two years, and you will need to complete eight continuing education credits to be eligible for renewal. Taking continuing education courses, however, will help you stay current in the field and will help make your career a success.
Education Details
There are several schools in the state of Iowa that have programs in barbering. The curriculum offered includes hair cutting and styling, laws and regulations governing barbering in Iowa, sanitation and sterilization techniques and regulations, fitting hair pieces, styling and trimming beards and moustaches, and techniques and tools for shaving. You may also take courses in health and safety.
License Renewal
2 Years
License renewal period
8 Hours
Continuing education required
Iowa licenses expire every two years, and must be renewed by April 1 of even-numbered years. The fee to renew your license is $60. Barbers only have to complete 8 hours of continuing education during each renewal period.
Iowa Barbering Careers
$29,710
Average yearly salary for barbering in Iowa
The average yearly salary earned by barbers in the state of Iowa in 2020 was $29,710 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The outlook for growth in the barbering profession is expected to be 13% between 2016 and 2026, meaning that new people entering the profession should have a reasonable time finding jobs.
Working as a barber can be a very pleasant way to spend a workday. You see many clients each day, some by appointment, others who walk in. Being a good listener is an important skill for a barber. Most clients like to chat about all types of subjects while they are having their hair cut or styled. Most barbers work full-time, although part-time work is also possible. You should be able to have at least some control over your schedule, although you will need to make yourself available during the hours that your clients are available to come in, which may mean working some weekends and evenings.
By some official accounts, being a barber in Iowa means being part of an expanding workforce and small business market. With that future in mind, many take advantage of these resources to get their careers started.
