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

Licensed local services

Indiana employs 370 barbers, with a statewide median of $33,600 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Indiana licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Indiana (May 2025)

Indiana median pay: $33,600 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $29,670
Experienced (75th percentile): $55,850
Top earners (90th percentile): $60,060
Employed in Indiana: 370
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

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

Indianapolis: $33,570 (210 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Indiana

Prices in Indiana run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $33,600 median stretches to roughly $36,013 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Indiana (2024–2034)

Indiana is projected to grow barbers employment +4.0%, about in line with the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 130 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Indiana License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Barber — regulated by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA).

Complete 1,500 hours of barber school training at an Indiana Board-approved barber school, covering hair cutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Indiana barber law.
Pass the Indiana Board written and practical state board examinations for barber.
Apply to the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (IPLA) for your barber license. Renew every two years.

Official requirements: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) →

Training in Indiana

Indianapolis and Fort Wayne have active barbershop markets. Indiana's 1,500-hour barber requirement is typical nationally. The state's growing Latino and African American communities in Indianapolis and Gary support a strong traditional barbershop culture. Commission and booth rent structures are both common.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Indiana include:

Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis — Certificate
Christina and Company Education Center — Certificate
Denmark College — Certificate
Don Roberts School of Hair Design — Certificate / Associate

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 Indiana?

The median wage for barbers in Indiana is $33,600 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $29,670, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $60,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Barber, overseen by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Complete 1,500 hours of barber school training at an Indiana Board-approved barber school, covering hair cutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Indiana barber law.

Is being a Barber a good career in Indiana?

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

Which Indiana metros pay barbers the most?

Among Indiana metro areas, Indianapolis leads at $33,570. 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 Indiana?

Real Indiana options include Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis, Christina and Company Education Center, Denmark College. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Indiana?

Indiana projects barbers employment to change +4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 130 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), Indiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) (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 Indiana wages · Indiana 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.