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

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Barbers in Oregon earn a statewide median of $77,430, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Oregon (May 2025)

Oregon median pay: $77,430 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $64,310
Experienced (75th percentile): $103,800
Top earners (90th percentile): $103,800
Employed in Oregon: 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 Oregon markets:

Portland: $64,310 (180 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon

Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $77,430 median is worth closer to $74,884 once higher local prices are factored in.

Oregon License and Certification Requirements

Barber certification (field of practice) — regulated by the Oregon Health Licensing Office — Board of Cosmetology (Barber field of practice).

Complete about 1,100 hours of barbering at a board-approved Oregon school (plus required safety/infection-control and career-development hours).
Pass the board-approved practical exam and the Oregon Laws & Rules exam.
Apply to the Health Licensing Office for the barber field-of-practice certification.

Official requirements: Oregon Health Licensing Office — Board of Cosmetology (Barber field of practice) →

Training in Oregon

Oregon uses a 'fields of practice' system through the Health Licensing Office. Booth-rental economics vary by neighborhood — research chair rent before assuming take-home pay.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:

Aveda Institute-Portland — Certificate
Beau Monde Academy of Barbering and Cosmetology — Certificate
College of Hair Design Careers — Certificate
Johnny Matthew's Hairdressing Training 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 Oregon?

The median wage for barbers in Oregon is $77,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $64,310, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $103,800. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber certification (field of practice), overseen by the Oregon Health Licensing Office — Board of Cosmetology (Barber field of practice). Complete about 1,100 hours of barbering at a board-approved Oregon school (plus required safety/infection-control and career-development hours).

Is being a Barber a good career in Oregon?

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

Which Oregon metros pay barbers the most?

Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $64,310. 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 Oregon?

Real Oregon options include Aveda Institute-Portland, Beau Monde Academy of Barbering and Cosmetology, College of Hair Design Careers. 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Oregon Health Licensing Office — Board of Cosmetology (Barber field of practice) (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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.