Barbering Schools in Michigan
If you're interested in a barber career in Michigan, then this page is for you. This guide covers almost everything you need to know about this growing career field. From certification requirements to employment and salary data, we've got you taken care of.
Browse our directory of barbering schools in Michigan, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Barbering Schools in Michigan
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331 East Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, MI 48823
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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Barbering Schools Near Me
Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Michigan have to offer.
Cost of Barbering School Across MI
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Lansing | $18,250 |
| Grand Rapids / Kalamazoo / Battle Creek | $17,694 |
| Detroit | $14,034 |
Comparing Program Costs in MI
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $15,257 - $27,150 |
| Lowest range: $3,363 - $15,257 |
| Average: $16,864 |
| Barbering School Costs |
| Highest range: $15,508 - $18,500 |
| Lowest range: $12,515 - $15,508 |
| Average: $15,761 |
How to Become a Barber in Michigan
- 1,800 education hours or 1,800 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every year.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in Michigan is $48,850.
- There is a predicted 10% job increase between 2020–2030 for barbers.
To become a licensed barber in Michigan, you must complete a barbering program at a state-approved school, pass a written and practical exam, pass a background check, and pay a licensing fee to the board.
Upon completing the program, you should have the knowledge and skills to pass the state exams. Here are some essential requirements to become a barber in Michigan:
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Michigan
Required to earn a barbering license
Barber programs in Michigan are 1,800 hours and include courses covering safety and sanitation, shaving, haircutting, chemical services, Michigan barbering laws and regulations, and more.
State-approved Michigan barber schools should equip students with the knowledge and skills to pass their licensing exams and transition into their professional careers.
You should learn to cut and style different hair types using standard barbering tools like scissors, clippers, and razors. Some programs also introduce you to the history and cultural value of barbering. Standout barbering programs focus on how the industry is evolving. Courses should weave in tools and trends you should master to stay relevant in the field for the foreseeable future.
In the classroom portion of your program, you'll take courses covering the theoretical knowledge you need to pass your exams and practice as a barber.
Outside the classroom, in the studio, is where you develop your hands-on practical barbering skills. Thousands of hours of training—the core of barbering programs-- involve practical barbering experience overseen by an experienced, licensed instructor.
While your technical skills keep clients happy, running a business is a different animal. The best Michigan barber programs introduce essential business and management topics, including client retention, advertising, social media marketing, and how to run your own barbershop.
Below we break down how you'll spend your time during barbering school.
Practical Training—1,575 Hours
Theory—225 Hours
While Michigan barber programs vary, the best schools offer a comprehensive education that prepares you for success. In addition to preparing you for Michigan's barbering license exam, standout programs provide essential skills that allow you to run and grow a successful barbering business. Some students also tackle a crossover program combining cosmetology and barbering training.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Michigan?
Required to earn a barbering license
You can become a Michigan barber by completing an 1,800-hour apprenticeship.
Like cosmetology apprenticeships, barber apprenticeship programs allow you to hone your barbering skills by learning on the job under the watchful eye of an experienced, licensed barber.
To become a barber through an apprenticeship in Michigan, you must find a licensed barber willing to take you on as an apprentice. After finding a professional mentor, you must register with the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing. You can complete the application online and pay a $20 processing fee. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.
Michigan Barber Licensing Requirements
To get your Michigan barber license, you need to complete an 1,800-hour barbering program or apprenticeship, pass a written and practical exam, and pay an $80 fee.
The best Michigan barbering programs prepare you to pass your licensing exams. The test includes both written and practical portions. Keep reading as we take a closer look at what you need to know about Michigan's barbering exam. All barber students must:
Michigan Barbering Exam
Test-takers must pass Michigan's barbering exam with a minimum score of 75%. Expect to receive notice of your scores in about one week.
Michigan Barber License Reciprocity
Michigan does offer barber license reciprocity, meaning that if you have an active license in another state, you can apply for your Michigan barber license. You may be exempt from Michigan's license exam if licensed in another state. The required steps to secure your reciprocal license include:
You can contact Michigan's Board of Barber Examiners or the state's Bureau of Professional Licensing if you have any questions.
Barber License Renewal in Michigan
License renewal period
Continuing education required
In Michigan, barbering licenses are renewed bi-annually through a straightforward process. You can apply for barber license renewal and pay the renewal application fee of $60 online. Michigan doesn't require continuing education classes.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Michigan
Average yearly salary for barbering in Michigan
Michigan's most recent barber salary data, from 2020, says barbers in the state averaged $47,950 ($23.05 per hour). Though they didn't report that data for 2022, cosmetologists and hairstylists made $42,760 at that point. These pros made about $3,000 less than barbers in 2020, so it's reasonable to assume something similar happened in 2022.
Alongside salary data, Michigan employment for barbers is trending in the right direction. Over the 2020-2030 decade, jobs for Michigan barbers are projected to grow by about 10%—this faster-than-average growth is higher than the national projected growth of 8% Additionally, barbers in the state can anticipate approximately 170 job openings per year.
Contact the Michigan State Board of Barbering
- 611 West Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48909
- Website: Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
- Call: 517-335-9700
Resources for Barbers in Michigan
Michigan Board of Barber Examiners
This is your homepage for practical information regarding licensing, forms, and related links.
Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing—Barber FAQs
This concise FAQ answers standard questions about Michigan's barber licensing process.
Michigan Barber Licensing Guide
This page outlines the steps and requirements for Michigan barber licensing.
Michigan Barber Apprenticeship Guide
Prospective barbers wanting on-the-job training should review this page.
Michigan Works!
This statewide network connects job seekers with employers and offers resources like training, education, and job placement.