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Indiana barber license — 1,500 training hours, exam details, fees ($99), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Most information on this page has been verified.
84% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 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
Exam Type
$99
Gov. Fees
Not available
Apprenticeship
4 years
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
18 (or 17 with high school graduation) years old
Education Level
High school diploma or GED (or age 17 with high school diploma)
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 the board
Curriculum Includes
Indiana Barber Written Examination
Written exam available in English and Spanish through PSI.
Haircutting, shaving, trimming beards, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, chemical treatments, scalp treatments, and facial treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee | $40 |
Exam Fee Written ($52) + practical ($52) | $104 |
License Fee Initial license fee | Included |
Total Government Fees Total of application, exam, and license fees | $99 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000-$16,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Indiana allows out-of-state barbers to apply by endorsement with equivalent training.
Additional Requirements: License verification and proof of 1,500 hours required.
Indiana maintains separate barber and cosmetology licenses under the same board.
Initial License Term
4 years
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$40
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $50 (Shop license fee)
Barbershops must be separately licensed and pass health/safety inspections.
Indiana has a slightly higher minimum age requirement than most states (18, or 17 with high school diploma). PSI exams are notably available in both English and Spanish.
Indiana has one of the LONGEST renewal cycles at 4 years — keeps long-term costs low.
75% passing score is higher than the typical 70% in most states.
Dual-track age requirement: 18 normally, or 17 if already graduated high school.
Combined State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — but licenses remain separate.
Temporary permits issued upon receipt of complete application, valid for 3 months.
No apprenticeship pathway — formal school training required.
Exams available in English and Spanish through PSI.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Indiana.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#18 of 36
Salary
#16 of 36
Cost
#13 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$26,950
25th percentile
Median
$43,590
+12% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$56,470
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
270 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: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 56–91 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the barber licensing exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Official Indiana barber licensing authority
Accessed 2026-03-09
Indiana 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.