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

Licensed local services

Washington employs 1,220 barbers, with a statewide median of $61,150 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Washington (May 2025)

Washington median pay: $61,150 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $52,540
Experienced (75th percentile): $75,160
Top earners (90th percentile): $76,480
Employed in Washington: 1,220
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for barbers in major Washington markets:

Seattle–Tacoma: $63,410

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,150 median is worth closer to $57,150 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to grow barbers employment +9.0%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 520 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Barber — regulated by the Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program.

Complete 1,000 hours of barber training at a WA DOL-approved barber school, covering haircutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Washington barber law.
Pass the written and practical state board exams administered through the WA DOL.
Apply to the WA Department of Licensing for your barber license. Renew every two years with continuing education.

Official requirements: Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program →

Training in Washington

Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane have active barbering markets, with strong demand for both traditional barbershop and modern grooming styles. Washington's craft barbering scene has grown with the craft grooming trend. Hourly wages plus tips make the income potential solid in urban markets.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle — Certificate
Aveda Institute Portland-Vancouver Campus — Certificate
Bates Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Bellingham Technical College — 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 Washington?

The median wage for barbers in Washington is $61,150 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $52,540, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,480. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Licensed Barber, overseen by the Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program. Complete 1,000 hours of barber training at a WA DOL-approved barber school, covering haircutting, shaving, facial treatments, sanitation, and Washington barber law.

Is being a Barber a good career in Washington?

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

Which Washington metros pay barbers the most?

Among Washington metro areas, Seattle–Tacoma leads at $63,410. 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 Washington?

Real Washington options include Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle, Aveda Institute Portland-Vancouver Campus, Bates Technical College. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Washington?

Washington projects barbers employment to change +9.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 520 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.