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Washington barber license — 1,000 training hours, exam details, fees ($195), and application steps. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-23. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Barber
Governing Authority
Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) - Cosmetology Program
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
79% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs 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
$195
Gov. Fees
Available
Apprenticeship
2 years
Renewal Cycle
No
CE Required
Minimum Age
17 years old
Education Level
Completion of approved barber training program
Residency
No state residency required
Background Check
Not required
Total Training Hours
1,000 hours
Licensed barber school
Apprenticeship Alternative
1,200 hours required
1,200 hours state-approved apprenticeship.
Online Hours Allowed
Not specified; contact DOL for current policy
Curriculum Includes
Washington Barber Written Examination
Written examination administered by D.L. Roope Administrations Inc. You are eligible to take exams within 100 hours of completing the required training. Credit card processing fee of $8 per exam applies.
Washington Barber Practical Examination
Hands-on practical examination. Credit card processing fee of $8 per exam applies.
Haircutting, shaving, trimming beards and mustaches, shampooing, styling, and scalp treatments for compensation. Washington distinguishes between barber (no chemical services) and barber with chemical endorsement.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial barber license application fee | $35 |
Exam Fee Written exam ($60) + practical exam ($120), paid separately to D.L. Roope. Additional $8 credit card processing fee per exam. | $180 |
License Fee $25 + $5 processing | $30 |
Total Government Fees Written ($55) + practical ($110) + license ($30) | $195 |
Barber School Tuition: $5,000–$18,000
Varies by school; NOT a government fee
Reciprocity: $60 fee. Must have active license + passed approved exams in originating state. Students can take exams when within 100 hours of completing instruction.
Additional Requirements: Reciprocity application fee is $60. Must submit completed application form and verification of out-of-state license.
Washington maintains separate license categories: cosmetologist, hair designer, barber, manicurist, and esthetician. Each has its own scope of practice and training requirements. The barber license focuses on haircutting and shaving without chemical services. The DOL's Cosmetology Program oversees all these license types.
Initial License Term
2 years
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Renewal Fee
$66
Continuing Education
Not required
Late Renewal Fee
$131
Shop License Fee: $121 (Salon/shop application or renewal fee is $121; late renewal is $181)
Barbershops/salons must be separately licensed through the DOL. Application and renewal fee is $121. Late renewal is $181. Shops must meet health and safety standards.
Washington's barber license has a narrower scope than many states, excluding chemical services like hair coloring. Students can start taking exams when within 100 hours of completing their training, allowing for earlier exam preparation. The state uses D.L. Roope Administrations as its exam vendor rather than PSI or Prometric, which is used by many other states. Washington's $35 initial application fee is among the lowest nationally.
Uses D.L. Roope as exam administrator (NIC exams).
Students can take exams when within 100 hours of completing required instruction.
Reciprocity: $60 fee; active license + approved exams required.
Highest-paying state for barbers — median $70,750/year.
Total fees: $195.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 35 others for this profession
Timeline
#4 of 36
Salary
#3 of 36
Cost
#26 of 36
Processing
#1 of 36
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Barbers (SOC 39-5011)
Entry Level
$58,830
25th percentile
Median
$70,750
+82% vs. national avg ($38,960)Experienced
$108,080
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
360 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: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) - Cosmetology Program — Licensing Requirements
Estimated total: 40–66 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) - Cosmetology Program — Licensing Requirements
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) - Cosmetology Program — 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.
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1,000 hours required
Accessed 2026-02-26
Training hour requirements confirmed
Accessed 2026-02-26
D.L. Roope exam scheduling
Accessed 2026-02-26
$35 barber application fee
Accessed 2026-02-26
Separate license categories defined in statute
Accessed 2026-02-26
Washington 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.