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Missouri barber license — 1,000 training hours, exam details, fees ($246), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
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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
1,000 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$246
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (expires September 30, odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
None for barbers (10th grade applies to cosmetology only, not barbers)
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,000 hours required
Missouri allows 2,000 hours of apprenticeship as an alternative to the 1,000-hour barber school pathway. Apprentice workdays must be between 3 and 12 hours long, at 15 to 72 hours per week. An apprentice license costs $25.
Online Hours Allowed
Limited theory hours may be completed online; practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
Missouri Barber Theory Examination
NIC theory exam administered by Prov, Inc. (transitioned from PSI Services).
Missouri Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation procedures.
Haircutting, shaving with straight razor, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, hair coloring, and scalp treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial license fee | $100 |
Exam Fee Theory exam ($88) + practical exam ($58), paid to Prov | $146 |
License Fee The $100 application fee covers the license issuance | Included in application fee |
Total Government Fees Written ($88) + practical ($58) + license ($100) | $246 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee. Missouri's 1,000-hour requirement keeps costs moderate.
No reciprocity agreement — evaluated case-by-case based on equivalent training hours. $100 reciprocity fee.
Additional Requirements: Must provide verification of out-of-state license and proof of equivalent training hours.
Crossover licensing: Licensed barbers with 3+ years MO experience can obtain cosmetology crossover without additional school hours. With 2 years: 500 hours crossover training. Same applies cosmetologists → barbers.
Initial License Term
2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Cycle
2 years (expires September 30, odd-numbered years)
Renewal Fee
$30
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $30 (Biennial establishment renewal fee)
Barber establishments must be licensed separately and meet health and safety standards. Establishments must submit a renewal application with the biennial renewal fee by the renewal date.
Missouri is notable for its well-defined crossover licensing pathway between barbering and cosmetology. Licensed barbers with 3+ years of experience can obtain a cosmetology crossover license without any additional school hours, and vice versa. The relatively low 1,000-hour school requirement combined with a $30 biennial renewal makes Missouri one of the more accessible states for barber licensure.
No education requirement for barbers — the 10th grade requirement applies to cosmetology only.
Exam vendor recently transitioned from PSI Services to Prov, Inc.
Crossover: barbers with 3+ years MO experience can get cosmetology license without additional school. With 2 years: 500 hours crossover training.
No reciprocity agreement — case-by-case evaluation + $100 fee.
Total initial fees: $246 (written $88 + practical $58 + license $100).
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Missouri.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#4 of 36
Salary
#15 of 36
Cost
#30 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$36,160
25th percentile
Median
$44,390
+14% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$73,580
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
470 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: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 40–66 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Missouri 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
Accessed 2026-03-23
Accessed 2026-03-23
Establishment licensing requirements
Accessed 2026-02-26
Barber-to-cosmetology crossover regulations
Accessed 2026-02-26
Crossover licensing for new licensees
Accessed 2026-02-26
Missouri requires 1,000 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.