Best Barber Schools In Pennsylvania 2025

By BestBarberSchool Editorial Team
Published January 15, 2025
5 min readUpdated February 28, 2025

Exploring Barber Schools In Pennsylvania

Becoming a barber in Pennsylvania offers not just a pathway to a rewarding career but also a chance to immerse oneself in an evolving industry. Barbershops are more than places for haircuts; they serve as community hubs where relationships are built, styles evolve, and personal expression flourishes. The state of Pennsylvania, with its diverse population and rich cultural history, is an ideal backdrop for barber training.

Pennsylvania is home to cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where barbers are in high demand. Furthermore, the state has a supportive regulatory environment that encourages entrepreneurship in personal grooming sectors. The rich variety of barbering programs, often incorporating hands-on experiences, enables students to develop the practical skills needed to excel. With a focus on modern techniques, student-centric instruction, and access to an ever-expanding clientele, barber programs in Pennsylvania prepare future barbers for success in a competitive market.

Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge styles or classic techniques, Pennsylvania’s training programs equip you with essential skills, ensuring you’re ready to meet the challenges and demands of the barbering profession.

Best Barber Schools In Pennsylvania

Explore top-ranked Barber schools in Pennsylvania. Discover the best institutions to pursue a professional certificate or degree in Barber.

Address: 800 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania, Allegheny County, 15233-1895
In-State Tuition: $7,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,340
Full-time Enrollment: 10,451
Graduation Rate: 23%
Admission Rate: N/A
Programs Offered: 1
Available Barber Degree Programs:
Barbering
Barber Degrees: Certificate
Online Barber Degrees Offered: None

Common Admission Requirements For Barber SchoolsIn Pennsylvania

When applying to barber schools in Pennsylvania, prospective students should be aware of the common admission requirements:

  • Minimum Age: Applicants must typically be at least 16 years old, and some programs may require applicants to be 18.

  • High School Diploma or GED: Most accredited programs require proof of a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.

  • Prerequisite Coursework: While specific prerequisite courses are not commonly mandated, having a background in health and personal care can be beneficial.

  • Application Fee: Many schools charge an application fee, which can vary from one institution to another.

  • Background Check: Some programs may require candidates to undergo a criminal background check.

  • Interview: Prospective students might need to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process.

  • Certification Expectations: After completing a program, graduates must pass the state's licensing exam to work legally in Pennsylvania.

Being prepared with these requirements can streamline the admission process and facilitate a smooth entry into barber training programs.

Cost & Financial Aid Options For Barber Schools In Pennsylvania

The cost of barber training programs in Pennsylvania varies depending on the school and program length. Here's a general overview:

  • Tuition Ranges: Tuition typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 for a comprehensive barbering program lasting about 10 to 12 months. Additional costs for supplies, textbooks, and equipment should also be factored in.

  • Financial Aid Options:

    • Federal Financial Aid: Many barber schools are eligible for federal funding, which includes Pell Grants and federal student loans.
    • State Grants: Pennsylvania offers various state financial aid programs aimed at helping students in vocational training.
    • Scholarships: Some schools provide scholarships specific to their programs. Researching these options can help reduce overall costs.
    • Payment Plans: Many institutions offer payment plans to make tuition fees more manageable.

Potential students should contact their desired schools to understand the financial aid packages available and to explore scholarship opportunities that could alleviate the financial burden.

Barber Salary in Pennsylvania
Annual Median: $40,490
Hourly Median: $19.47
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th$22,180
25th$28,250
Median$40,490
75th$46,370
90th$48,260

FAQs About Barber Schools in Pennsylvania

  1. What is the average length of barber programs in Pennsylvania?

    • Most programs last between 10 to 12 months, depending on whether you attend full- or part-time.
  2. Do I need previous experience to enroll?

    • No prior experience is typically required, although a background in personal care can be beneficial.
  3. What licenses do I need to work as a barber in Pennsylvania?

    • Graduates must pass the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam to work legally.
  4. Are online barber programs available?

    • Most barber programs require hands-on training, though some theoretical components may be offered online.
  5. Can I get financial aid for barber school?

    • Yes, many programs offer financial aid, including federal loans and state scholarships.
  6. What is the job outlook for barbers in Pennsylvania?

    • The job outlook is favorable due to consistent demand for skilled barbers.
  7. Do barber schools offer job placement assistance?

    • Many institutions provide job placement services to help graduates find employment.
  8. What kind of equipment will I need to purchase?

    • You will likely need to buy basic tools like clippers, scissors, and grooming products, which schools often incorporate into tuition.
  9. Are there continuing education opportunities for barbers?

    • Yes, many organizations offer continuing education classes and workshops for skill enhancement.
  10. Can I specialize in certain areas within barbering?

    • Yes, many barbers choose to specialize in areas like hot towel shaves, beard grooming, or trendy haircuts.