Barber Schools in Minnesota

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or interested in changing careers, if you like working with your hands in a social environment, pursuing a Minnesota barber career could be a great choice for you. Browse our directory of barber schools in Minnesota, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barber licensing requirements and job outlook.

How to Become a Barber in Minnesota

Becoming a barber in Minnesota is straightforward, with steps including completing a state-approved barber program and passing an exam.

If you want to jumpstart your Minnesota barber career by gaining your license, there’s a handful of requirements you need to meet:

• Complete school through the 10^th grade
• Complete a State-approved, 1,500-hour barber program
• Pass Minnesota’s barber licensure exam
• Pay all relevant fees
• Renew your barber license annually

Accredited barber programs not only introduce students to the skills needed to thrive in this industry but graduates are prepared to ace their licensing exams and begin their careers. You should also develop some business know-how so you can start and manage your own barbering business.

What to Expect From a Barber Program in Minnesota

Barber schools in the Land of 10,000 Lakes must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners—there are five public barber schools available, and all are located in the Twin Cities metro area. During your barber program, you must complete 1,500 hours of instruction. While some states offer crossover programs that combine barbering and cosmetology training together, in Minnesota you must complete a separate 1,550-hour accredited cosmetology program if you want to work as a cosmetologist.

Throughout your program, instructors introduce foundational barbering concepts, covering everything from the chemistry of sterilization, to cutting, bleaching, and coloring hair. The list below highlights some common topics you should encounter while tackling your 1,500-hour barber program.

• Scientific fundamentals of barbering
• Hygiene
• Introductory study of hair, skin, muscles, and nerves
• The anatomical structure of the head, face, and neck
• The foundational chemistry of antiseptics and sterilization
• Understanding medical issues of the hair and skin
• Massaging the face and neck
• Hair cutting
• Shaving
• Beard trimming
• Bleaching, tinting, and dyeing hair
• Hair straightening with chemicals

During your time as a barber student, you need a student permit to work on the floor of barbershops. Your student barber permit is valid for 15 months. While your barber training teaches the skills needed to pass Minnesota’s registered barber exam, utilizing the State’s Home Study Course book is a great way to prepare for the licensure test.

Minnesota Barber Licensing Requirements

After completing Minnesota’s required 1,500 hours of barber training, the next step is to complete the State’s registered barber exam.

While test-taking can feel daunting—especially when your ability to work is on the line—the accredited barber program you just finished should leave you confident in your skills. When you combine some studying with your experience, you’re ready to ace the test.

Like other states, Minnesota’s registered barber exam includes two sections: a written section that tests theoretical knowledge and a practical portion that allows you to showcase the skills you’ve learned throughout your educational journey. The State’s barber exam is held on the first Monday in February, May, August, and November. You can find the application for registration here.

You must earn a minimum score of 75% on both the written and practical sections to pass. Continue reading as we break down the test below.

Written

The written portion of the test is split into 100 multiple-choice questions, on the following subjects:

• Barber school curriculum
• Disinfection
• Infection control
• Sanitation
• Minnesota rules and regulations

Practical

During the practical section, you’ll be tested on the entire barbering experience while supervisors evaluate your knowledge of procedures and competency. The test is split into the following stages:

• Preparation and setup
• Sanitation and infection control procedures
• Full-face straight razor shave
• Taper haircut
• Facial
• Rolling perm rods

After completing the exam, you should receive your test scores within five days. If you pass, the Board of Barber Examiners mails your registration certificate to you—you can also find your active license online. Those who haven’t passed the barber exam receive detailed exam results and information regarding re-taking the test.

Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Minnesota?

No, you can’t apprentice as a barber in Minnesota. All prospective barbers must complete a State-approved barber program. Minnesota also doesn’t allow cosmetology apprenticeships.

Minnesota Barber License Reciprocity

If you have already gained licensure as a barber in another state, Minnesota barber license reciprocity is available. All applications are reviewed on an individual basis. In addition to the State’s reciprocity application, you must send the following to the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners:

• A copy of your active barber license
• All contact information for the barber training program you attended
• A transcript from your barber school
• Contact information of your licensing state’s barbering board

Barber License Renewal in Minnesota

As a Minnesota barber, you must renew your license annually. Your license expires on December 31st of each year. Expect to receive an expiration notice in the mail at some point in November.

Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Minnesota

While barber salary data isn’t readily available for Minnesota, hairdressers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists earn a median annual salary of about $42,000 each year. This is a considerable jump from the national average of $34,990 annually.

According to O*Net data, Minnesota barber jobs are projected to grow by 21% between 2020-2030, which is more than double the 8% expected nationwide. This translates to around 150 new annual job openings in the state.

According to ZipRecruiter, the highest paid cities for barbers in Minnesota are:

Table information from ZipRecruiter (2023)

Contact the Minnesota State Board of Barber Examiners

Resources for Barbers in Minnesota

Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners
This is home base for all your barber school needs, including a list of accredited programs.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
This site offers resources and information on the state’s job market, career development, and training opportunities.

Twin Cities Barber Supplies
This site offers all the tools of the barbering trade.

FAQ About Barber Programs and Careers
Our FAQ answers our readers’ most common questions about barber programs and careers.