Barber in Arizona: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Barbers in Arizona earn a statewide median of $34,380, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arizona licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Arizona (May 2025)

Arizona median pay: $34,380 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $31,950
Experienced (75th percentile): $37,440
Top earners (90th percentile): $37,440
Employed in Arizona: Not published (BLS suppressed)
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

What That Pay Is Worth in Arizona

Prices in Arizona run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 100.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $34,380 median is worth closer to $34,141 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Arizona (2024–2034)

Arizona is projected to grow barbers employment +14.2%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 223 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Arizona License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Barber — regulated by the Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology Board.

Complete 1,000 hours of barber school training (or 1,200 hours of apprenticeship) at an AZ Barbering & Cosmetology Board-approved barber school, covering haircutting, shaving, facial treatments, and Arizona law.
Pass the written and practical state board examinations through the AZ Barbering & Cosmetology Board.
Apply to the AZ Barbering & Cosmetology Board for your barber license. Renew every two years.

Official requirements: Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology Board →

Training in Arizona

Phoenix and Tucson have active barbering markets, with both traditional barbershops and modern men's grooming studios. The large Hispanic community in Arizona supports strong demand for traditional barbering services. Commission-based and booth rent models are both common.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arizona include:

Alturas Cosmetology of Arizona LLC — Certificate
Avalon Institute-Mesa — Certificate
Avalon Institute-Phoenix — Certificate
Aveda Institute Tucson-Avondale — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Social, detail-oriented people who want a portable service skill.

Think twice if: Standing all day, variable income, or constant customer interaction sounds exhausting.

Why it's resilient: Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

First Steps

Compare state barber-hour requirements and local school placement outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do barbers make in Arizona?

The median wage for barbers in Arizona is $34,380 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,950, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $37,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Barber in Arizona?

Licensed Barber, overseen by the Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology Board. Complete 1,000 hours of barber school training (or 1,200 hours of apprenticeship) at an AZ Barbering & Cosmetology Board-approved barber school, covering haircutting, shaving, facial treatments, and Arizona law.

Is being a Barber a good career in Arizona?

Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

Where can I train to become a Barber in Arizona?

Real Arizona options include Alturas Cosmetology of Arizona LLC, Avalon Institute-Mesa, Avalon Institute-Phoenix. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Arizona?

Arizona projects barbers employment to change +14.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 223 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arizona statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Arizona Barbering & Cosmetology Board (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arizona wages · Arizona licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.