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

Licensed local services

Colorado employs 480 barbers, with a statewide median of $61,500 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Colorado (May 2025)

Colorado median pay: $61,500 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $33,130
Experienced (75th percentile): $78,510
Top earners (90th percentile): $81,060
Employed in Colorado: 480
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for barbers in major Colorado markets:

Colorado Springs: $71,970 (70 employed)
Denver: $61,080 (290 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado

Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,500 median is worth closer to $59,651 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)

Colorado is projected to grow barbers employment +6.6%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 290 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Colorado License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA).

Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber/cosmetology school (roughly 6–10 months full time).
Pass the written and practical exams (PSI).
Apply to DORA's Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure.

Official requirements: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) →

Training in Colorado

Booth-rental economics vary a lot by neighborhood — research chair rent before assuming take-home pay. Denver, Colorado Springs, and Boulder have strong barbershop demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:

Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
Avalon Institute-Aurora — Certificate
Aveda Institute-Denver — Certificate
Cheeks Beauty Academy — 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 Colorado?

The median wage for barbers in Colorado is $61,500 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $33,130, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber license, overseen by the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA). Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber/cosmetology school (roughly 6–10 months full time).

Is being a Barber a good career in Colorado?

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

Which Colorado metros pay barbers the most?

Among Colorado metro areas, Colorado Springs leads at $71,970, followed by Denver ($61,080). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Barber in Colorado?

Real Colorado options include Arapahoe Community College, Avalon Institute-Aurora, Aveda Institute-Denver. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Colorado?

Colorado projects barbers employment to change +6.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 290 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), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) (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 Colorado wages · Colorado 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.