Barber in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Barbers in New Jersey earn a statewide median of $54,850, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)

New Jersey median pay: $54,850 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $32,220
Experienced (75th percentile): $63,170
Top earners (90th percentile): $88,440
Employed in New Jersey: 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 New Jersey markets:

New York–Newark: $38,630
Philadelphia: $37,530 (340 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in New Jersey

Prices in New Jersey run about 9% above the national average (cost-of-living index 108.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $54,850 median is worth closer to $50,414 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)

New Jersey is projected to grow barbers employment +7.6%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 550 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

New Jersey License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs).

Complete 900 hours of training at a licensed barber school in New Jersey (approximately 6–9 months full-time). NJ does not offer an apprenticeship pathway — all training must be at a licensed school. Must be at least 17 with a high school diploma or GED.
Students may sit for the written (theory) exam at 720 hours (80% completion). Pass both the written and practical state board exams through a NJ-approved testing provider (minimum 75% on theory).
Pay the license fee (~$155 total cost). Renew biennially — NJ barbers do not need CE for renewal.

Official requirements: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs) →

Training in New Jersey

New Jersey's 900-hour requirement is one of the lowest nationally, making it a faster entry than most states. Strong barbershop cultures in Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and the Shore towns. Booth rental rates vary significantly — northern NJ near NYC has premium rates but also premium costs. A license earned in NJ is straightforwardly transferable to most states with reciprocity agreements.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:

Artistic Academy of Hair Design — Certificate
Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education — Certificate
Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology — Certificate
Cutting Edge 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 New Jersey?

The median wage for barbers in New Jersey is $54,850 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,220, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $88,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber license, overseen by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs). Complete 900 hours of training at a licensed barber school in New Jersey (approximately 6–9 months full-time). NJ does not offer an apprenticeship pathway — all training must be at a licensed school. Must be at least 17 with a high school diploma or GED.

Is being a Barber a good career in New Jersey?

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

Which New Jersey metros pay barbers the most?

Among New Jersey metro areas, New York–Newark leads at $38,630, followed by Philadelphia ($37,530). 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 New Jersey?

Real New Jersey options include Artistic Academy of Hair Design, Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education, Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in New Jersey?

New Jersey projects barbers employment to change +7.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 550 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), New Jersey statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs) (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 New Jersey wages · New Jersey 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.