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Colorado barber license — 1,500 training hours, exam details, fees ($155), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Most information on this page has been verified.
89% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,500 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$155
Gov. Fees
Not available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
16 years old
Education Level
No specific education level required
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,500 hours
Barber school
Apprenticeship Alternative
Not availableOnline Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact DORA
Curriculum Includes
Colorado Barber Written Examination
Computer-based written exam, 100 minutes. Can be taken at out-of-state PSI centers.
Colorado Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on practical exam, ~145 minutes. Must be taken in Colorado (cannot be taken at out-of-state PSI centers).
Haircutting, shaving, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, scalp treatments, and facial treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee | $28 |
Exam Fee Written ($56) + practical ($71) | $127 |
License Fee License fee included in application | Included in application |
Total Government Fees Application ($28) + written exam ($56) + practical exam ($71) | $155 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000-$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
No direct reciprocity — Colorado offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees, reviewed individually on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Requirements: License verification required from issuing state.
No crossover between cosmetology and barbering — must meet full training requirements for each license type.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$40
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$15
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $76 (Shop registration fee)
Barbershops must be registered and pass health/safety inspections.
Colorado's barber licensing is administered by DORA's Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. The renewal fee of $26 is notably low compared to most states.
Colorado uses a credit-hour system (50 credits = 1,500 contact hours).
No direct reciprocity — offers endorsement for out-of-state licensees, reviewed individually.
No crossover between cosmetology and barbering — must meet full training requirements for each.
60-day grace period after expiration during which services may still be provided.
Practical exam must be taken in Colorado; written can be taken at out-of-state PSI centers.
Instructor qualifications governed by Private Occupational School Board, not the barber board.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#18 of 36
Salary
#5 of 36
Cost
#16 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$41,620
25th percentile
Median
$56,690
+46% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$73,690
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
630 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Barber income often includes tips and booth rental arrangements not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Barbers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+3,100
over 10 years
Annual Openings
8,400
per year (avg.)
76,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 56–91 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Colorado requires 1,500 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.