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Oklahoma barber license — 1,250 training hours, exam details, fees ($115), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
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68% of data points are verified against official sources. 4 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
1,250 hrs
Training Hours
Written + Practical
Exam Type
$115
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years (eff. Nov 2025; previously annual)
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
16 (to enroll) / 17 (to take exam, or HS grad) years old
Education Level
8th grade or equivalent
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,250 hours
Barber school or apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Alternative
2,250 hours required
2,250 hours (eff. July 2025; previously 3,000 hours).
Online Hours Allowed
Theory hours only; practical hours must be in-person
Curriculum Includes
Oklahoma Barber Written Examination
Written exam testing theoretical knowledge. Must score at least 75% to pass. Exam registration form and $35 fee must be submitted within 10 days of course completion.
Oklahoma Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on demonstration of barbering skills including haircutting, shaving, and sanitation. Must score at least 75% to pass.
Shaving, cutting, trimming, and styling of hair; trimming and grooming of beards and mustaches; shampooing; blow-dry styling; applying hair tonics and chemical treatments; scalp massage and treatments for compensation.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Individual barber license fee | $80 |
Exam Fee | $35 |
License Fee Individual license | $80 |
Total Government Fees Exam ($35) + license ($80) | $115 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$15,000
Varies by school and program; NOT a government fee. Standard barber program is 1,500 hours.
Title: Master Barber
Master barber license requires additional experience beyond the standard barber license.
Oklahoma accepts licensed barbers from other states by endorsement if they meet the state's training requirements.
Additional Requirements: Must hold an active license in good standing and provide verification from the originating state.
Oklahoma permits crossover licensing between barber and cosmetology licenses. Individuals holding one license may complete the required crossover training and examinations to obtain the other. SB1475 also exempted blow-dry styling, makeup application, and hairbraiding from licensing requirements.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years (eff. Nov 2025; previously annual)
Renewal Fee
$80
Continuing Education
Not required
Regulatory Board
Shop License Fee: $120 (Establishment initial license fee; $90 for renewal)
Barbershops must be separately licensed as establishments and pass health/safety inspections. Initial establishment fee is $120; renewal is $90.
Oklahoma underwent major licensing reform with HB 2141 (effective November 2024), which created a new 1,000-hour nonchemical-use barber license while keeping the standard barber license at 1,500 hours. The bill also reduced apprenticeship hours from 3,000 to 2,250, changed renewal to biennial, and introduced eyelash extension specialist certification. The 75% passing score for both exams is higher than the typical 70% seen in most states.
MAJOR CHANGES (HB 2141, eff. 2024-2025): Hours reduced 1,500→1,250 (chemical) / 1,000 (nonchemical). Apprenticeship 3,000→2,250.
Renewal changed from annual to biennial (eff. Nov 2025 per SB1475). Fee: $80 biennial.
TWO TIERS: chemical-use (1,250 hrs) and nonchemical-use (1,000 hrs).
Master Barber/Cosmetology License also available: $80.
Board-administered exams (not NIC).
Reciprocity fee: $180.
Board operations extended to 2026 with potential significant changes.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Oklahoma.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#4 of 36
Salary
#30 of 36
Cost
#8 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$24,110
25th percentile
Median
$31,450
-19% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$33,750
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
120 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: Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 40–66 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — 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
Barber license fee
Accessed 2026-02-26
General reciprocity information
Accessed 2026-02-26
Crossover licensing and SB1475 changes
Accessed 2026-02-26
Oklahoma requires 1,250 hours of barber training. Find approved schools and programs near you.
Contact your state barber board for a list of approved schools.