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Michigan barber license — 1,800 training hours, exam details, fees ($80+), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Governing Authority
Michigan Board of Barber Examiners (LARA - Bureau of Professional Licensing)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
58% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. 2 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
1,800 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$80+
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires September 30)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of 10th grade or equivalent education
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Michigan requires applicants to be of good moral character. A criminal background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Total Training Hours
1,800 hours
Barber college or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,800 hours required
1,800 hours in a barber apprenticeship program in a licensed barbershop with curriculum substantially similar to barber college. Barbershop owners may not charge a fee for teaching.
Online Hours Allowed
Theory hours only; practical hours must be completed in-person
Curriculum Includes
Michigan Barber Theory Examination
PSI exam, 100 questions, 120 minutes.
Michigan Barber Practical Examination
PSI practical exam, 170 minutes. Requires live model age 18+.
Shaving or trimming of the beard, cutting, styling, dressing, arranging, shampooing, and coloring of hair, application of hair tonics, and massaging of the face and scalp for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application + 2-year license (per licensing guide) | $80 |
Exam Fee Written ($63) + practical ($63), paid to PSI | $126 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee | $20 |
Total Government Fees Application/license ($80) + exam fees (paid separately to PSI) | $80+ |
Barber School Tuition: $10,000–$20,000
Varies by barber college; NOT a government fee. Michigan's 1,800-hour requirement results in higher tuition costs.
Endorsement available for those licensed 1 out of last 3 years in a state with substantially equivalent requirements.
Additional Requirements: Must submit verification of out-of-state license and may need to pass the Michigan barber examination.
Cosmetologist crossover: may substitute up to 1,000 hours of substantially similar cosmetology instruction. Out-of-state experience can substitute at ratio of 3 months = 100 hours.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires September 30)
Renewal Fee
$60
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $80 (Barbershop license renewal fee; initial application fee may differ)
Barbershops must be separately licensed through LARA. The shop must meet health and safety standards and may be subject to inspection. Application is completed online at michigan.gov/miplus.
Michigan's 1,800-hour training requirement is among the highest in the nation for barbers. The state maintains a completely separate Board of Barber Examiners from its cosmetology board, and does not offer a combined or crossover license pathway. The 10th grade education requirement (rather than high school diploma) is less common.
Michigan statute (MCL 339.1108) allows apprenticeship as an alternative — 1,800 hours in a licensed barbershop.
Training breakdown: 225 hours classroom + 1,575 hours practical.
Cosmetologist crossover: up to 1,000 hours of cosmetology instruction may substitute.
Out-of-state experience: 3 months = 100 hours credit toward instruction.
Endorsement: licensed 1 of last 3 years in equivalent state.
Apprenticeship barbershop owners may not charge a fee for teaching.
License expires September 30.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#34 of 36
Salary
#32 of 36
Cost
#19 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$28,310
25th percentile
Median
$29,390
-25% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$35,970
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
190 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.
Estimated total: 66–106 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
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
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PSI exam scheduling information
Accessed 2026-02-26
Official barbershop licensing guide
Accessed 2026-02-26
Michigan requires 1,800 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.