Barber in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Barbers in Rhode Island earn a statewide median of $34,900, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)

Rhode Island median pay: $34,900 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $34,480
Experienced (75th percentile): $47,840
Top earners (90th percentile): $63,230
Employed in Rhode Island: 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 Rhode Island markets:

Providence: $34,900

What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island

Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $34,900 median is worth closer to $34,115 once higher local prices are factored in.

Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology.

Complete about 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school.
Pass the written and practical exams.
Apply to RI DOH (Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology).

Official requirements: Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology →

Training in Rhode Island

Rhode Island regulates barbering and cosmetology through DOH. Booth-rental economics vary by neighborhood — research chair rent before assuming take-home pay.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:

COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston — Certificate
Empire Beauty School-Warwick — Certificate
Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island — 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 Rhode Island?

The median wage for barbers in Rhode Island is $34,900 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,480, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $63,230. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Barber license, overseen by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology. Complete about 1,500 hours at a licensed barber school.

Is being a Barber a good career in Rhode Island?

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

Which Rhode Island metros pay barbers the most?

Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $34,900. 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 Rhode Island?

Real Rhode Island options include COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston, Empire Beauty School-Warwick, Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island. 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology (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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.