Why become a barber in New York
Becoming a barber in NYC offers unbeatable freedom, creativity, and financial upside in a recession-proof trade.
With just months of training (not years of debt), you’ll master an in-demand skill that lets you transform clients’ confidence daily while building real relationships. Top barbers here earn $100K+ through cutting, styling, and entrepreneurial opportunities like product lines or owning their shop, all while being part of the city’s vibrant grooming culture.
Whether you crave artistic expression, flexible hours, or a path to business ownership without a college degree, barbering delivers immediate results and lifelong growth in one of the world’s most exciting style capitals.
Below you will find some guidelines on how you too can become a barber and generate a substantial income while having flexibility.
Steps to becoming a Barber in New York
1. Meet Basic Requirements for becoming a barber
- Be at least 18 years old (18+ to handle straight razors in most shops)
- Have a high school diploma or GED (recommended)
2. Choose Your Training Path to becoming a barber
Option A: Attend a NYC Barber School (Fastest Route)
- Top NYC Barber Schools:
- American Barber Institute (Manhattan) – $8K-$12K, 500+ hours
- Barber Academy of NYC (Brooklyn) – Hands-on fade training
- Empire Beauty School – Multiple borough locations
- What You’ll Learn:
- Master clipper cuts, fades, and razor work
- Sanitation and sterilization (critical for NYC inspections)
- Business basics for shop employment
Option B: Barbering Apprenticeship (1-2 Years)
- Find a licensed master barber sponsor (must have 5+ years experience)
- Complete 1,000+ supervised hours
- Pros: Earn while learning, build clientele early
3. Pass NY Licensing Exams
- Written Exam: Barber science, sanitation, NY laws
- Practical Test: Demonstrate:
- Fade techniques (most tested skill in NYC)
- Straight razor shaving
- Proper disinfection procedures
4. Get Licensed
- Submit proof of training to NYS Division of Licensing
- Initial License valid for 4 years
- NYC-Specific: Register with DCA if working in Manhattan shops
5. Build Your Career
Starter Jobs in NYC:
- High-volume shops: Harlem, Bronx ($15-$25/hr + tips)
- Luxury barbershops: Williamsburg, Soho ($50k-$80k/year)
- Mobile barbering: Apps like TheCut (growing in NYC)
Specialization Tips:
- Master skin fades (most requested NYC cut)
- Get certified in beard sculpting (big for finance bros)
- Learn buzz cut designs (popular with NYPD/FDNY)
6. Upgrade Your Skills
- Advanced Certifications:
- Andis Master Educator Program (free at NYC trade shows)
- Wahl MVP Classes (held in Queens)
- Social Media: Build an IG portfolio (@YourBarberName)
Financial Aid Options
- NYC Training Grants: Workforce1 programs, NYC Department of Small Business Services, offers various services to help New Yorkers prepare for and connect with jobs, including those in the barbering field.
- Veteran Benefits: VA covers barber school
- Payment Plans: Most schools offer installment options
Many NYC shops hire directly from school showcases – bring your A-game to final practical’s!
Final Thoughts
Becoming a barber in NYC is one of the fastest paths to a six-figure creative career without a college degree. With the right training, licensing, and hustle, you can build a loyal clientele and even own a successful barbershop. Visit this link for the official guidelines.
Need current barber job openings? Click here
FAQ
Can I transfer an out-of-state license to NY?
- Reciprocal states: NJ, CT, PA, MA
- Requirements:
- Verify 1,000+ training hours
- Pass NY law exam
- $100 transfer fee
Processing time: 4-6 weeks
What’s the fastest way to earn $100K as a barber?
- Proven paths:
- Specialize in doing in demand work
- Build social media following
- Mobile barbering (home visits)
Do NYC barbers need additional certifications?
- Valuable add-ons:
- NYC Food Handler’s License
- Scalp Micropigmentation (2-day cert)
- CPR Certification (required by high-end shops)
What licenses do I need to open a barbershop?
- Must-have permits:
- NY State Barber Shop License
- NYC DCA License
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Workers’ Comp Insurance
Can I run a barber business from home?
- Legally? Almost never.
- NYC zoning laws prohibit home barbershops
- Alternatives:
- Rent shared space ($400-$800/month)
- Go mobile
What’s the most requested haircut in NYC?
- #1: Skin Fades
- #2: Beard Sculpting
- #3: Buzz Cut Designs (popular with cops/firefighters)
Pro move: Master scissor-over-comb
What do successful NYC barbers do differently?
- Their 3 secrets:
- Pre-book clients
- Upsell products
- Develop skills to handle all types of hair types
Is barbering recession-proof in NYC?
- 2024 data says YES:
- 92% of men get haircuts every 2-3 weeks
- Luxury barbering grew 27% post-2020
- Top shops raised prices 15% for inflation
How many hours of training is required for barber?
Hours are determined by the approved NYS barber schools.
How many years of apprentice experience is needed to apply for license?
Two years of licensed New York State barber apprenticeship is required in order to apply for New York State barber exam.
What is a Barber Apprentice?
A barber apprentice is a person pursuing in good faith a course of study in the practice of barbering under the tutelage, supervision, and direction of a licensee and who assists such licensee in such practice.
After you have worked as a NYS-registered barber apprentice under the supervision of a NYS-licensed barber for two years you may apply for a barber license based on the apprenticeship.
All applicants must complete a one time course of study regarding “the transmission of contagious diseases and the proper methods of sanitation and sterilization to be employed in barber shops.” The course curricula must be approved by the Education Department and proof of course completion must be submitted with your application.
Do I need a physical to be licensed?
Yes. You need to be examined by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner to apply for a license in Barbering. Your physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner must complete and date the Health Certification section of the application. You must submit your application within 30 days after it is signed.
Is there reciprocity or endorsement with another states?
Yes. For barbers there is a reciprocal agreement between New York State and Maine, Pennsylvania and New Mexico. Because of the similarity in license standards in Maine, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, the Department of State will waive the New York State practical exam requirement if you supply an original certificate (with raised seal) from one of those states.
Who must apply for a Barber shop owner or area renter license?
You must obtain a Barber Shop Owner’s license to own, control or operate a barber shop, whether as a sole proprietor, partner, shareholder or officer. Any licensed operator working at a barber shop and NOT employed by the owner of the business is an independent contractor and must obtain an area renter license. Note: A shop owner’s license does not permit you to practice barbering. Each person performing such service must be licensed as a barber operator by the Department of State.
Are there any barbering prohibitions?
Yes
- A business license will not permit the practice of barbering at your business location if you have not first obtained a barber shop license pursuant to Article 28 of the General Business Law.
- Apprentice barbers must be sponsored or supervised by a licensed barber, not a licensed natural hairstylist, and may not be employed by an Appearance Enhancement Business.
- An apprentice barber may not own a barber shop or rent space in a barber shop.
What is the process for verifying my education taken at a NYS School?
When you apply online, you must enter your school’s name and curriculum code. Schools will be notified by email that you applied using their school’s curriculum code. For schools that are not participating in the online certification program, when you reach the “affirmation of NYS Schooling” section of the online application, you must upload the affirmation that was provided by your school that contains the required verification information.
If you do not upload the affirmation, you will be required to submit it by mail along with the confirmation page which includes your application number. Important: A delay in the school verification may affect your temporary license status.
What is the process for Supervising Barber Affirmation?
When a Barber Apprentice applicant applies online, they are required to identify the Supervising Barber responsible for their supervision and direction for the 24 month apprenticeship. The Supervising Barber will be notified of the application and will be provided with instructions on how to complete the Supervising Barber Affirmation.
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