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

Licensed local services

Florida employs 1,240 barbers, with a statewide median of $49,410 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Florida licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Florida (May 2025)

Florida median pay: $49,410 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $31,000
Experienced (75th percentile): $59,240
Top earners (90th percentile): $79,490
Employed in Florida: 1,240
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

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

Jacksonville: $57,860 (110 employed)
Sarasota–Bradenton: $55,890 (60 employed)
Miami–Fort Lauderdale: $36,300 (340 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Florida

Prices in Florida run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,410 median is worth closer to $47,785 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Florida (2026–2034)

Florida is projected to grow barbers employment +9.6%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 854 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Florida License and Certification Requirements

Barber license (full) or Restricted Barber license — regulated by the Florida Barbers' Board (DBPR).

Full barber license: 900 hours at a licensed school, then pass the written exam (Pearson VUE).
Faster option: the Restricted Barber license needs only 600 hours — covers cuts, styling, shaves, beard work, and shampooing, but no chemical services.
Complete the 2-hour HIV/AIDS course; renew every two years.

Official requirements: Florida Barbers' Board (DBPR) →

Training in Florida

Florida's 600-hour restricted license is one of the fastest paid-skill entries in any state we cover — under 6 months to earning. Many barbers start restricted, build clientele, and upgrade to the full license later.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Florida include:

Academy of Career Training — Certificate
Academy of Cosmetology — Certificate
Adrian H. Wallace Barber Academy — Certificate
American Academy of Cosmetology — 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 Florida?

The median wage for barbers in Florida is $49,410 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,000, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,490. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber license (full) or Restricted Barber license, overseen by the Florida Barbers' Board (DBPR). Full barber license: 900 hours at a licensed school, then pass the written exam (Pearson VUE).

Is being a Barber a good career in Florida?

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

Which Florida metros pay barbers the most?

Among Florida metro areas, Jacksonville leads at $57,860, followed by Sarasota–Bradenton ($55,890), Miami–Fort Lauderdale ($36,300). 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 Florida?

Real Florida options include Academy of Career Training, Academy of Cosmetology, Adrian H. Wallace Barber Academy. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Florida?

Florida projects barbers employment to change +9.6% from 2026 to 2034, with about 854 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), Florida statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Florida Barbers' Board (DBPR) (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 Florida wages · Florida 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.