How to Become a Barber in North Dakota
- 1,550 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every year.
- 6 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in North Dakota is $34,570.
- There is a predicted 18% job increase between 2021-2031 for barbers. This is higher than the expected national growth of 7%.
To become a licensed barber in North Dakota, you must complete several steps set by the Board of Barber Examiners. Specifically, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have completed four years of high school (or equivalent)
- Be of good moral standing
- Be free from any contagious or infectious disease
- Have graduated from a North Dakota Barber school
- Have passed the state's written and practical exams
- Paid a $100 master barber examination fee and a $100 annual license fee
What to Expect From a Barber Program in North Dakota
1,550 Education Hours
Required to earn a barber license
To gain your barber license in North Dakota, you must complete at least 1,550 training hours in a state-approved North Dakota barber school. The exact class content varies from program to program, but every curriculum must cover the following:
- Science related to barbering
- Hygiene
- Bacteriology
- Histology
- Head, face, and neck structure
- Chemistry, sterilization, and antiseptics
- Skin, gland, and nail diseases
- Upper body massage
- Hair cutting
- Shaving
- Hair design and color
North Dakota Barber Licensing Requirements
Once you've completed at least 1,550 training hours at a North Dakota barber school, you're ready for the next step and can take your written and practical licensing exams.
The Master Barber exams are held in January, April, July, and October. They take place in Fargo, ND, and cost $100. Once you've graduated from a North Dakota barber school, you can apply to take your exams online.
The written exam is a mixture of multiple-choice, true-or-false, and essay questions. You have two
hours to complete the test, and you must score at least 75% to pass. It covers a variety of theoretical topics, including:
- Anatomy
- Bacteriology
- Diseases
- Ethics
- Implements
- Physiology
- Sterilization
The practical exam also takes two hours to complete, and again, you must achieve a score of at least 75% to pass. The exam includes the following assessments:
- Haircut
- Straight razor shave
- Facial and scalp massage
- Shampoo
- Clean up
You must bring your own clearly labeled kit and supplies, and on the day of the exam, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time. You must be dressed appropriately (no jeans, shorts, sweatpants, leggings, hats, open-toe shoes, or dirty/ripped clothing). You should also bring a model with you for the practical part of the test.
If you fail either exam, you must wait at least three months before you can retake and try again.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in North Dakota?
No, you can't apprentice as a barber in North Dakota. All prospective barbers in the state must complete a 1,550 program at a licensed school.
North Dakota Barber License Reciprocity
If you've already gained your barber license in another state (or a foreign country), you may be able to transfer your qualification for use in North Dakota via reciprocity.
The educational requirements in your licensing state should match those of North Dakota, such as being 18 and a half years old, having a high school diploma, and a certification from a state-approved barber college with at least 1,550 training hours completed. You should also have at least three years of experience as a barber.
If your licensing state requires fewer training hours, you could make up the difference via 200 hours of instruction for every full year you've worked as a licensed barber.
To apply for reciprocity, you need to apply online, pay a $175 fee, and submit copies of the following:
- High school diploma or GED
- Graduation certificate from Barber College
- Current barber license
- Driver's license (photo ID)
There's a separate application for those who are applying from overseas, but the requirements are mostly the same. In addition to the above, foreign applicants must also supply proof that a US doctor has certified that they're in good health and pass the state's written and practical barber exams.
Barber License Renewal in North Dakota
1 Year
License renewal period
6 Hours
Continuing education required
In North Dakota, all licensed barbers must renew their license annually, on or before July 1. Each renewal costs $100. Non-renewed licenses expire on August 1, and you need to pay an additional expired license fee of $120 (as well as the usual $100 renewal fee) to reinstate it.
All licensed barbers in the state must complete at least six hours of continuing education every two years. You can find a list of approved continuing education programs and resources on the board's website.
If you or your spouse are active military, your continuing education requirements may be waived upon application. Military waivers are accessed and granted by the board on a case-by-case basis.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in North Dakota
$34,570
Average yearly salary for barbers in North Dakota
On average, barbers in North Dakota earn between $27,550 - $38,310 per year, with a mean salary of $34,570, or $16.62 per hour. The amount you can make varies depending on a few factors, such as the geographical area you're based in, the amount of experience you have, and the treatments you offer.
The expected job growth for barbers in North Dakota is looking good, with an 18% rise expected between 2020-2030—more than double the national average.
Contact the North Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
Resources for Barbers in North Dakota
North Dakota Barbers Association
This group aims to assist those looking to barber in the state with information on training, regulations, and more. They even have an annual convention!
FAQs About Barbering
Learn more about what barber careers.
