Requirements for Barber Licensing
To become a Class A barber in Texas requires:
- Be 16 years old or older
- Have a high school diploma or pass an ability test
- Complete 1,500 hours of barber instruction from an approved barber school
- Alternatively, hold a cosmetology license and complete an additional 300 barber hours
- Pay a non-refundable license application fee of $120
Barber schools in Texas typically offer programs that take about 9 months to complete, and costs range from $2,000 to $18,000. After meeting the educational requirements, applicants must pass both written and practical exams.
Barbering Profession Overview
Barbers in Texas have an average pay rate of $19.15 per hour, with higher rates in urban areas like Austin. The average cost of a haircut across Texas cities is $53.
Barber Shop Licensing
While there is no statewide barber licensing requirement to open a barbershop in Texas, it is important to check with local municipalities for any specific regulations. However, practicing barbering without a Class A license is illegal. The state enforces this to ensure all practicing barbers meet the mandatory training requirements and pass the necessary exams for skill verification.
Please note that this is a professional license and is in addition to any licenses needed to operate a barbershop. With dedication, it’s possible to establish a successful shop in Texas.