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

Licensed local services

Barbers in Michigan earn a statewide median of $35,490, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Michigan licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Michigan (May 2025)

Michigan median pay: $35,490 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $28,840
Experienced (75th percentile): $53,960
Top earners (90th percentile): $71,810
Employed in Michigan: 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 Michigan markets:

Detroit: $35,490

What That Pay Is Worth in Michigan

Prices in Michigan run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $35,490 median stretches to roughly $36,892 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Michigan (2024–2034)

Michigan is projected to grow barbers employment +1.6%, slower than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Michigan License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the Michigan Board of Barbers (LARA).

Complete 1,800 hours at a LARA-licensed barber college (includes 225 hours of classroom instruction + 1,575 hours of practical training). Michigan does not offer an apprenticeship pathway — all training must be in a licensed school.
Pass both the written (theory) and practical exams administered by PSI Services. You may take the written exam partway through your hours.
Pay the license fee (~$260 total including exams). Typical timeline: 12–18 months full-time.

Official requirements: Michigan Board of Barbers (LARA) →

Training in Michigan

Michigan's 1,800-hour requirement is higher than many states. Strong barbershop cultures in Detroit (especially with the city's resurgence), Grand Rapids, and Lansing support booth rental income. Research chair rent in your target neighborhood before projecting take-home pay — it varies widely. Detroit in particular has a thriving independent barbershop scene.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Michigan include:

Bayshire Academy of Beauty Craft Inc — Certificate
Brighton Institute of Cosmetology — Certificate
Cadillac Institute of Cosmetology — Certificate
Creative Hair School 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 Michigan?

The median wage for barbers in Michigan is $35,490 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $28,840, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $71,810. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber license, overseen by the Michigan Board of Barbers (LARA). Complete 1,800 hours at a LARA-licensed barber college (includes 225 hours of classroom instruction + 1,575 hours of practical training). Michigan does not offer an apprenticeship pathway — all training must be in a licensed school.

Is being a Barber a good career in Michigan?

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

Which Michigan metros pay barbers the most?

Among Michigan metro areas, Detroit leads at $35,490. 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 Michigan?

Real Michigan options include Bayshire Academy of Beauty Craft Inc, Brighton Institute of Cosmetology, Cadillac Institute of Cosmetology. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Michigan?

Michigan projects barbers employment to change +1.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 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), Michigan statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Michigan Board of Barbers (LARA) (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 Michigan wages · Michigan 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.