Barbering Schools in Pennsylvania
As the number of barber careers in Pennsylvania is expected to grow almost three times faster than the national average, now may be the perfect time to start learning about barber programs in the state. Browse our directory of barbering schools in Pennsylvania, or skip ahead to learn about the state's barbering licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Barbering Schools in Pennsylvania
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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.
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:
Barbering Schools Near Me
Check out the Barbering schools these cities in Pennsylvania have to offer.
How to Become a Barber in Pennsylvania
- 1,250 education hours or 1,250 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in Pennsylvania is $36,120.
- There is a predicted 22% job increase between 2020–2030 for barbers.
To become a barber in Pennsylvania, you must finish training, pass two exams, and pay the required fees.
When it comes to the nitty gritty expectations, you need to:
What to Expect from a Barber Program in Pennsylvania
Required to earn a barbering license
Pennsylvania barber training includes 1,250 hours in hair care, science, and business.
Specifically, you should expect to take classes on:
A licensed Pennsylvania barber school needs the required equipment, adequate space, and clean conditions.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Pennsylvania?
Required to earn a barbering license
Yes, you can become a licensed barber in Pennsylvania via a 1,250-hour apprenticeship. Your apprenticeship must be in a licensed barber shop with a barber manager or teacher.
Pennsylvania barber apprenticeships cover the same topics as school programs. Instruction divides up as follows:
Apprentices must also perform a total of 550 barber procedures during their training:
Pennsylvania Barber Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed barber in Pennsylvania, after training, you need to pass two exams and pay fees.
After you apply, testing admin Pearson VUE should send you an "Approval to Test." This includes instructions on scheduling your practical and theory tests.
If you need ADA accommodations, provide documentation about your condition and its effects. This could include a letter from a physician or a description of past accommodations.
On exam day, bring two forms of current, signature-bearing identification. At least one needs to be government issued and have a photo. You should arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled testing time.
The theory exam costs $63 and can be in English or Spanish. The test lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes and comprises 110 scored items. These include topics on:
Rules, regulations, and safety: 25%-30%
Hair/Scalp structure and care: 5%-10%
Shaving/Beard design: 6%-10%
Haircutting and hairstyling: %-30%
Chemical Services: 20%-25%
Skincare: 4%-8%
The practical exam covers the following:
For the practical exam, you need to wear a smock or apron and bring the required equipment:
You must score 75 to pass both exams, and you get to find out if you passed right away.
Pennsylvania Barber License Reciprocity
Pennsylvania has barber license reciprocity agreements with several states. Others can get licensed by endorsement.
To qualify for licensure by reciprocity, you must:
The following states have license reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania:
You must apply for a license by endorsement if your license isn't from one of these states. But you only need to take the Pennsylvania barber theory exam for endorsement. You have one year after arriving and applying for examination to do so.
Military service members, veterans, and spouses can apply for expedited licensure. They may also skip training if they've worked for at least two years and passed exams.
Barber Specialties in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, licensed cosmetologists often become barbers and vice versa through crossover programs.
Cosmetologists' 555 training hours can apply to the 1,250-hour barber training requirements. Before a cosmetologist can take the barber exam, they must undergo 695 training hours:
Barber License Renewal in Pennsylvania
License renewal period
Continuing education required
You need to renew your Pennsylvania barber license every two years. To do so, you must pay the $160 renewal fee. Continuing education isn't required to renew. But it can help you be the best barber you can be.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Pennsylvania
Average yearly salary for barbering in Pennsylvania
As of 2022, barbers in Pennsylvania average $36,120 per year ($17.36 per hour). Further, Pennsylvania's barber careers should grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030. This is much higher than the national average of 8%.
Contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Barbering
- 2601 North 3rd Street PO Box 2649 Harrisburg, PA 17110
- Website: Pennsylvania Department of State
- Email: st-cosmetology@pa.gov
- Call: 717-783-7130
- Fax: 717-705-5540
Resources for Barbers in Pennsylvania
American Barber Association Pennsylvania Chapter
Organization providing industry opportunities, education, and advocacy for Pennsylvania barbers
Pennsylvania Barbers and Cosmetologists
Facebook group for Pennsylvania barbers and cosmetologists, focused on education and industry concerns