How to Become a Barber in Delaware
- 1,250 education hours or 3,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in Delaware is $38,020.
- There is a predicted 8% job increase for barbers between 2021-2031 nationally.
To become a barber in Delaware, you must have completed 10th grade or the equivalent, not been convicted of a crime related to the barbering field, complete 1,250 hours at a Delaware barber school or a 3,000-hour Delaware barber apprenticeship, and pass written and practical barber exams.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in Delaware
1,250 Education Hours
Required to earn a barber license
A standard Delaware barber program takes 1,250 hours to complete. It may include topics on barber-related sciences, shaving, industry rules and regulations, and haircutting.
Specifically, you may take classes on:
- Bacteriology and chemistry
- Barbering history and law
- Cleanliness
- Electricity and light therapy
- Equipment
- Facial massage and treatment
- Hair and scalp treatment
- Hair cutting
- Men's hairpieces
- Mustache and beard design
- Professionalism
- Shaving
- Skin disorders and properties
Delaware Barber Licensing Requirements
To obtain your Delaware barber license, you must complete 1,250 hours at a Delaware barber school or a 3,000-hour barber apprenticeship, pass a barber practical and theory exam, and pay fees.
If your application is successful, the testing administrator, Prometric, sends you an email with instructions on scheduling the exam online. The theory exam costs $160, and the practical costs $145.
The theory exam lasts 90 minutes and comprises 100 scored questions on:
- Scientific Concepts: 35%
- Implements and Equipment: 10%
- Hair Care Services: 40%
- Facial Hair and Skin Care Services: 15%
The practical exam covers the following:
- Work Area and Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies (First client): 10 minutes
- Haircutting: 40 minutes
- Work Area and New Client Preparation and Set Up of Supplies (Second client): 15 minutes
- Shaving with Straight Razor: Variable Timing
- Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
All supplies must be labeled in English for the practical exam. Official test results are emailed to you within one to two business days.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in Delaware?
1,250 Education Hours
Required to earn a barber license
Yes, you can apprentice as a barber in Delaware by completing a barber apprenticeship comprising 3,000 hours of training lasting 18 to 36 months. Barber apprentices study and practice the same topics as those in traditional barber school programs.
Delaware Barber License Reciprocity
If you're a licensed barber from another state, you can earn your Delaware barber license through reciprocity. You must hold a current, valid license when applying.
If your training hours are equal to or higher than Delaware's requirements, you can apply for reciprocity by submitting an application, paying a $128 fee, and providing license verification.
If your training hours don't meet or exceed Delaware's requirements, you can apply for reciprocity by completing your hours and proving you've worked as a barber for one continuous year in the last five years.
Barber License Renewal in Delaware
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
You must renew your Delaware barber license onMarch 31 of each even year. You need to submit a renewal application and pay the fee to renew. You are not required to complete continuing education for Delaware's license renewal, though it never hurts to go through some!
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in Delaware
$38,020
Average yearly salary for barbers in Delaware
Barbers in Delaware earn an average annual salary of $38,020 or $18.28 per hour. Barber salaries in Delaware range from $22,880 to $60,910. While the job growth for barbers in Delaware isn't available, the national average expectation is an 8% growth between 2021-2031.
Contact the Delaware State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Resources for Barbers in Delaware
FAQ about Barbering
This page covers critical information about barber programs and careers.
Delaware Barber Association
The American Barber Association's Delaware chapter.
