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

Licensed local services

Barbers in Maryland earn a statewide median of $35,400, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Maryland (May 2025)

Maryland median pay: $35,400 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $32,720
Experienced (75th percentile): $48,670
Top earners (90th percentile): $58,510
Employed in Maryland: Not published (BLS suppressed)
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $48,780
Baltimore: $47,380

What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland

Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $35,400 median is worth closer to $33,714 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)

Maryland is projected to grow barbers employment +4.4%, about in line with the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 120 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Maryland License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Barber — regulated by the Maryland State Board of Barbers — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR).

Complete 1,200 hours of barber school training at a Maryland Board-approved barber school, covering hair cutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Maryland barber law. Maryland has a separate barber board from its cosmetology board, which is distinct from most states.
Pass the Maryland Board of Barbers written and practical state board examinations.
Apply to the Maryland State Board of Barbers (DLLR) for your barber license. Renew every two years with 16 hours of continuing education.

Official requirements: Maryland State Board of Barbers — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR) →

Training in Maryland

Baltimore's strong barbershop culture and the DC Metro Maryland suburbs' diverse demographics (Prince George's County is one of the wealthiest majority-Black counties in the US) support a thriving Maryland barbershop market. Maryland's 1,200-hour requirement is moderate — slightly lower than many states. Maryland barbers pay 16 CE hours for renewal, which is above average.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:

All-State Career-Baltimore — Certificate
Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel — Certificate
Aveda Institute-Maryland — Certificate
Award Beauty School — 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 Maryland?

The median wage for barbers in Maryland is $35,400 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,720, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,510. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Barber, overseen by the Maryland State Board of Barbers — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR). Complete 1,200 hours of barber school training at a Maryland Board-approved barber school, covering hair cutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Maryland barber law. Maryland has a separate barber board from its cosmetology board, which is distinct from most states.

Is being a Barber a good career in Maryland?

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

Which Maryland metros pay barbers the most?

Among Maryland metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $48,780, followed by Baltimore ($47,380). 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 Maryland?

Real Maryland options include All-State Career-Baltimore, Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel, Aveda Institute-Maryland. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Maryland?

Maryland projects barbers employment to change +4.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 120 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), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland State Board of Barbers — Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR) (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 Maryland wages · Maryland 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.