How to Become a Barber in South Dakota
- 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every year.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for barbers in South Dakota is $38,730.
- There is a predicted 8% job increase for barbers between 2021-2031 nationally.
To become a licensed barber in South Dakota, you must complete several steps set by the Board of Barber Examiners. These include: being at least 18 years old, submitting an application, completing at least 1,500 training hours at a state-approved South Dakota barber school, and passing written and practical exams. You must also pay an application/exam fee of $100 and a license fee of $50.
What to Expect From a Barber Program in South Dakota
1,500 Education Hours
Required to earn a barber license
You must complete at least 1,500 training hours in a state-approved South Dakota barber school before being eligible for licensure. The exact class content may vary, but every curriculum must include the following:
- General infection control, tools, first aid, and blood exposure: 100 hours
- Professional standards and development: 70 hours
- Scientific fundamentals, including hygiene: 220 hours
- Principles of hair design: 430 hours
- Chemical hair services: 280 hours
- Shaving, including care and use of a straight-edge razor: 130 hours
- Skin sciences, including physiology and histology: 70 hours
You also have 200 hours of class time, tailored to help you brush up on areas where you need extra practice.
South Dakota Barber Licensing Requirements
Once you've completed 1,500 training hours, you're ready to take your exams.
When you complete your training hours and submit your license application, you'll be contacted by the state board to schedule your exams. You must score at least 75% to pass each exam.
The written National Barber Styling Theory Examination is administered by the National-interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
You have 90 minutes to complete the exam, which contains 110 questions, of which 100 are scored. The exam is split into the following subjects:
Scientific Concepts—35%
- Infection Control and Safety Practices
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Skin conditions, disorders, and diseases
- Hair conditions, disorders, and diseases
- Basic chemistry of barbering products
Implements and Equipment—10%
- Tools used in hair services
- Safety and sanitation practices for equipment
Hair Care Services—40%
- Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
- Hair Care
- Hair Design
- Head shaving
- Chemical services
Facial Hair and Skin Care Services—15%
- Facial hair and skin care
- Draping for facial hair and skin care
- Safety for facial hair and skin care
- Electrotherapy and light therapy
The South Dakota barbering practical exam is overseen by the state board. It covers a wide range of topics, which may include:
- Blood exposure procedure
- Chemical relaxing
- Chemical waving
- Hair cutting
- Hair lightening and coloring
- Shaving with a straight razor
If you require ADA accommodations, these can be requested by applying online. You may need to describe your disability and contact information for your relevant medical authority.
You receive your scores once you finish the exams. If you've passed, you will be sent your license, and you can start working as a barber!
However, SD law prohibits anyone who owes $1,000 or more in past-due child support from being granted their license—so make sure your financial affairs are in order.
Can I Apprentice as a Barber in South Dakota?
No, you can't apprentice as a barber in South Dakota. All prospective barbers in the state must complete a program at a licensed school.
South Dakota Barber License Reciprocity
If you have a barber's license or certificate from another state or country, you can apply to transfer your license to South Dakota.
Your educational level should match South Dakota's requirements (1,500 training hours). You can make up the difference using work credit if it doesn't. You can receive 50 hours of work experience credit for every month you practiced as a licensed barber in another state.
To transfer a license, you need to submit a license application and verification of all past and present licensure from your original licensing state. You must also submit a valid ID, a current 3" x 5" photograph of yourself, and a $150 license transfer fee.
Barber License Renewal in South Dakota
1 year
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
All barber and barbershop licenses in South Dakota must be renewed each year by June 30th, and each individual license renewal costs $75. If you submit late, you must pay an additional $15 restoration fee and a $12 expired license fee. If your license has lapsed for three or more years, you must re-take the exams before your license can be re-issued.
There are no continuing education requirements for barber license renewal in South Dakota. Still, it's always a good idea to stay on top of the latest trends to ensure you stay relevant and can offer your clients a good range of services.
Barber Salary and Projected Job Growth in South Dakota
$38,730
Average yearly salary for barbers in South Dakota
Barbers in South Dakota typically earn between $25,560-$46,400, with a mean salary of $38,730 per year, or $18.62 per hour. The amount you can make varies, depending on factors such as the geographical area you're based in, your experience, and the services you have to offer.
South Dakota hasn't published localized statistics for expected barber job growth. However, the national average points to an increase of 8%, with around 6,600 new barber jobs opening up annually from 2021 to 2031.
Contact the South Dakota Board of Barber Examiners
Resources for Barbers in South Dakota
The Barber Association of South Dakota
This group exists to give barbers and future barbers of South Dakota the resources they need to succeed
The South Dakota Barber Association
The SD wing of the American Barber Association
FAQs About Barbering
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