While the nation is expected to see a 10.8% increase in the number of jobs for men’s stylists between 2012 and 2022, the state of Idaho expects to see 16% growth over the decade, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. This type of state-wide growth indicates great opportunity for aspiring barbers, especially those who would like to open their own shops.
Idaho is home to some wonderful barbershops with a loyal customer base. Vincent’s Barbershop in Historic Hyde Park, publicized by KTBV.com, had closed down due to the owner, Vincent Echevarria, passing away. The establishment meant so much to the community that today Vincent’s has re-opened in memory of Echevarria. The locals in Idaho not only know and love their barbers, but they take great care to honor them.
For guidance on how to become a licensed barber or barber-stylist in Idaho, follow these steps:
If you’re ready to start your career as a barber in Idaho, you will first need to be licensed by the Idaho Board of Barber Examiners. The Board regulates the education and examination standards for barbers and barber-stylists, which are defined as those who shave, cut, and style hair, beards, and moustaches.
Step 1. Complete a Minimum of 900-Hours of Barber Training
Idaho has two types of barbers: barbers and barber-stylists. Barber-stylists have advanced training and education in chemical hairstyling services:
- To be licensed as a barber, you must complete a 900-hour barber training program from a barber college
- To be licensed as a barber-stylist, you will need to complete at least 1800 hours of barber-styling training from a barber college
The Idaho Board of Barber Examiners requires that barbers attain training in the following barber services:
- Haircutting
- Styling and Blow Drying
- Shampooing
- Shaving and Beard Trimming
- Facials and Massage
- Hair and Scalp Treatments
- Curling Irons
- Sanitation Hygiene
The Idaho Board of Barber Examiners requires that an applicant for a barber-styling license attain training in the above services, along with the following additional services:
- Permanent Waving
- Hair Coloring
- Bleaching and Rinsing the Hair
After you graduate from a barber school in Idaho offering the requisite training, you will be eligible to apply for and take the Idaho barber or barber-styling licensing exams.
Step 2. Pass Idaho’s Practical and Theory Barber Licensing Exams
The Idaho Board has contracted with DL Roope Administrations as the testing vendor for the licensing exams. So, you will need to schedule your exams directly with DL Roope.
If you have completed 900 hours of barber training, you may schedule your exams for an Idaho barber license by completing the following steps:
- Download and Read NIC Written Exam Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
- Download and Read Practical Exam Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB)
- Submit Idaho Barber Online Application
If you have completed 1800 hours of barber styling training, you may schedule your exam for an Idaho barber-styling license by completing the following separate set of steps:
- Download and Read NIC Barber Styling Written CIB
- Download and Read the Barber Styling Practical CIB
- Submit a Idaho Barber-Styling Online Application
Practical Examinations
Barber – This exam will take about 2 hours and will test your ability to perform the following barbering services:
- Set Up and Client Protection
- Shaving with a Straight Razor
- Haircutting
- Candidate Summary and Final Cleanup
Barber Styling – This exam will take approximately 3 hours and will test you on your ability to perform the following barbering and styling services:
- Set Up and Client Protection
- Shaving with a Straight Razor
- Haircutting
- Chemical Waving
- Hair Lightening and Coloring
- Chemical Relaxing
- Candidate Summary and Cleanup
Theory/Jurisprudence Examinations
Barber – This will be a 90-minute, written exam that will text your knowledge on the following barber subject matters:
- Infection Control
- Safety Procedures
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Hair and Scalp
- Facial Treatments
- Shaving Procedures
- Facial Hair Design
- Haircutting and Styling
Barber Styling – This is also a 90-minute exam, and it will test your knowledge on the following barber subjects:
- Infection Control
- Safety Procedures
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Hair and Scalp
- Facial Treatments
- Shaving Procedures
- Facial Hair Design
- Haircutting and Styling
- Chemical Services
- Performing Client Consultation
- Chemical Texture Services
- Hair Color and Lightener
- Color Theory
- Mustaches and Beard Color
You will need to achieve a minimum score of 75% in order to be eligible to apply for an Idaho barber license.
Step 3. Submit an Application for an Idaho Barbering License
If you are 16 years old, have completed 10th grade, have gradated from an approved barber training program, and have successfully passed the licensing exams, you may submit an application for an Idaho barber license. To do so, all you need to do is complete the following steps:
- Submit Barber Application for Licensure
- Provide Passport Photo
- Attach Copy of Driver’s License or Birth Certificate
- Send Official Barber School Transcripts
- Send High School Diploma (proof of 10th grade completion)
- Submit Official Licensing Exam Scores
- Pay $25.00 Application Fee
Reciprocity
If you hold an active barber license from another state, you may qualify to apply for an Idaho license based on reciprocity. To qualify, you must either be licensed from a state that has similar education and examination licensing standards, or you must have been actively working as a licensed barber for three years immediately previous to your Idaho application. If you meet these requirements, then you are eligible to apply for a barber reciprocity license. To do so, submit the above application materials, and also submit these additional materials:
- Order Certification of Licensure from Previous Licensing State
- Submit $80 Reciprocity Application Fee
You will submit all application and supplemental materials to the Board at the following mailing address:
Idaho State Board of Barber Examiners
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0063
Step 4. Begin your Career as a Barber in Idaho and Renew your License Yearly
As a licensed barber or barber-stylist in Idaho, you can look for jobs at local barbershops, salons that hire stylists, or you can even open your own barbershop. If you’re looking for some great local barbershops, consider some of these shops found in Idaho:
- Fred’s “Reel” Barbershop – Meridian
- Lloyd’s Barber Shop – Nampa
- Eagle Barber Shop – Eagle
- Garrity Barber Shop – Nampa
Oftentimes, barbers prefer to open their own barbershop, where they get to determine the atmosphere and culture of the shop. This way, you will get to set your own hours, work for yourself, and create a business model that works for you. If you want to open your own barbershop, all you need to do is apply for an Idaho barber establishment license. To do so, complete the following steps:
- Submit Application for Barber Establishment License
- Submit $50.00 Application Fee
- List Anticipated Opening Date
- Attach Accurate Floor Plan
You will need to renew your Idaho barber or barber-stylist license each year. The Idaho Board will mail you a renewal notice and application 6 weeks before your expiration date. You may mail this application back to the Board, or you may renew your license and submit the renewal fee online.
Barber Salaries in Idaho
The level of experience has a great deal of effect on the salaries of barbers. Experienced barbers have usually mastered the skills needed to please their clients and thus earn higher salaries. In contrast, those who are new to the profession generally have lower salaries.
This is the case for barbers in Idaho. The average salary for barbers in the state was 15.4% higher than that of those just starting out. These salaries were $21,174 versus $16,890, respectively. These barbers will make more money than these figures indicate, because customers usually tip at least 25%. Tips are not factored into this salary information.
Barber salaries in Idaho by city:
Boise – $28,000
Nampa – $28,000
Meridian – $28,000
Idaho Falls – $28,000
Levels of Increase in Jobs for Barbers in Idaho
The field of men’s hair and skin care is increasing nationally, and the number of jobs for barbers is expected to increase in Idaho. The state’s Department of Labor expects the number of these jobs to increase by 7.2% between 2012 and 2022.
There are two sources of new jobs for barbers. One is from growth—the increasing demand for the services of barbers. Eighteen percent of these jobs will be due to growth in this field. The other source of jobs comes from the need to replace barbers who will stop practicing. More than 80% of the jobs predicted to become available for barbers in Idaho over this ten-year period will be such replacement positions.
Locations of Barbers and Barbershops in Idaho
Both Idaho barbers and barbershops must be licensed by the state’s Board of Barber Examiners to carry out business in Idaho. As of November 2014, 1,106 barbers or barbershops had active licenses at one point in Idaho.
These license holders were dispersed throughout the state with a small percentage being from other parts of the country. Only a small number of them were based in Idaho’s major cities:
Nampa – 86
Meridian – 64
Idaho Falls – 34
Pocatello – 28
Boise – 27
Coeur D’Alene 1- 8