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

Licensed local services

New Mexico employs 50 barbers, with a statewide median of $39,100 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Mexico licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in New Mexico (May 2025)

New Mexico median pay: $39,100 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $36,440
Experienced (75th percentile): $39,320
Top earners (90th percentile): $41,180
Employed in New Mexico: 50
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

What That Pay Is Worth in New Mexico

Prices in New Mexico run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $39,100 median stretches to roughly $42,408 in national buying-power terms.

New Mexico License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (RLD).

Complete about 1,200 hours at a licensed barber school.
Pass the written and practical exams.
Apply to the New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists.

Official requirements: New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (RLD) →

Training in New Mexico

New Mexico regulates barbering and cosmetology under one board. Booth-rental economics vary by neighborhood — research chair rent before assuming take-home pay.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Mexico include:

A Better U Beauty Barber Academy — Certificate
Aveda Institute-New Mexico — Certificate
Avenue Academy A Cosmetology Institute — Certificate
Central New Mexico Community College — 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 New Mexico?

The median wage for barbers in New Mexico is $39,100 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,440, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $41,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber license, overseen by the New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (RLD). Complete about 1,200 hours at a licensed barber school.

Is being a Barber a good career in New Mexico?

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

Where can I train to become a Barber in New Mexico?

Real New Mexico options include A Better U Beauty Barber Academy, Aveda Institute-New Mexico, Avenue Academy A Cosmetology Institute. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Mexico statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the New Mexico Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (RLD) (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 Mexico wages · New Mexico licensing/certification source

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.