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

Licensed local services

Oklahoma employs 170 barbers, with a statewide median of $34,860 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oklahoma licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Oklahoma (May 2025)

Oklahoma median pay: $34,860 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $29,340
Experienced (75th percentile): $35,370
Top earners (90th percentile): $35,820
Employed in Oklahoma: 170
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oklahoma

Prices in Oklahoma run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $34,860 median stretches to roughly $39,704 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Oklahoma (2022–2032)

Oklahoma is projected to grow barbers employment +7.9%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Oklahoma License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school.
Pass the written and practical exams.
Apply to the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

Official requirements: Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering →

Training in Oklahoma

Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma include:

Autry Technology Center — Certificate
Broken Arrow Beauty College — Certificate
Caddo Kiowa Technology Center — Certificate
Canadian Valley Technology Center — 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 Oklahoma?

The median wage for barbers in Oklahoma is $34,860 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $29,340, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $35,820. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber license, overseen by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school.

Is being a Barber a good career in Oklahoma?

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

Where can I train to become a Barber in Oklahoma?

Real Oklahoma options include Autry Technology Center, Broken Arrow Beauty College, Caddo Kiowa Technology Center. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma projects barbers employment to change +7.9% from 2022 to 2032, with about 40 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), Oklahoma statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (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 Oklahoma wages · Oklahoma 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.