$5,600
Plan A · Morning
Mon–Fri, 8 AM–2 PM
Home / FAQs
Becoming a Barber in New York: Your Questions Answered
Thinking about changing careers into barbering? These are the real questions people ask before they commit — about time, money, licensing and whether it's worth it — answered straight.
The Quick Version
Everything, in one paragraph
To become a barber in New York you complete a 500-hour state-approved training program and pass the New York State Board Exam for the Master Barber license. Full-time, that takes about 4 months; on weekends, about 6–7 months. Training runs $4,600–$5,600 depending on schedule, offset by weekly payment plans, the GI Bill® or ACCES-VR. Classes start the first Monday of every month. Below, the same questions in detail.
500
Training hours required
4
Months full-time (~6–7 weekends)
3
Schedules — one license
1st
Monday of every month — start dates
The Decision
Is barbering right for me?
The honest fit questions come first — before time, before money. If the trade itself doesn't suit you, nothing else matters.
Is barbering a good career change?
For many people, yes. A barber license is a skilled, licensed trade that can't be offshored, travels with you between shops and states, and lets you work for someone, rent a chair, or own a business. You can start earning in months rather than years, and demand for skilled barbers has stayed steady. It suits people who like working with others, want flexible hours, and prefer a hands-on craft over a desk job. Not sure it fits you? Take the honest is-barber-training-right-for-you self-assessment.
Am I too old — or too inexperienced — to start?
No prior experience is required, and people change into barbering at every age. Beginners start from zero every single month. As long as you're at least 17, the trade is open to career-changers, second-career workers and recent grads alike.
How is a barber different from a cosmetologist?
In New York they're separate licenses. Barbering centers on cutting, fading, shaving and men's grooming; cosmetology covers hair, skin and nails more broadly. Barbering is the faster, more focused path if your goal is cutting hair and working in a barbershop. Compare them in our barber vs. cosmetologist guide.
What does a barber actually earn in New York?
Early income depends on building a regular clientele, but experienced NYC barbers who keep a full book — plus tips, and eventually booth rental or ownership — do well. Read the real numbers in how much money barbers make.
You don't need four years or a fortune. You need 500 hours, a passing score, and the patience to cut the same fade a hundred times.
Time & Licensing
How long it takes & how you get licensed
The 500-hour requirement is fixed by New York. What changes is the pace — and the pace is yours to pick.
How long does barber school take in New York?
New York requires 500 hours of training. Full-time (about 30 hours a week) that's roughly 4 months, or about 17 weeks. On a weekend schedule (about 18 hours a week) it's closer to 6–7 months. You choose the pace that fits your life — the license is identical either way. See the full breakdown in how to get started.
What license do I earn, and how?
You earn the New York State Master Barber license. After completing your 500 hours, you sit the New York State Board Exam — a written and a practical portion. A quality program is built entirely around preparing you to pass both. A Master Barber license lets you work legally anywhere in New York and to own a barbershop and employ other barbers or apprentices. Our guide to passing the NY state board exam walks through both parts.
When can I start training?
New classes begin on the first Monday of every month, so you're rarely more than a few weeks from a start date. You don't have to wait for a semester or an academic calendar. Check upcoming start dates on the schedules page.
What schedules can I choose from?
Three tracks lead to the same license: Morning (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM), Afternoon (Monday–Friday, 2:00 PM–8:00 PM), and Weekend (Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM–7:00 PM). Weekend exists specifically so you can keep a day job while you train.
What exactly do those 500 hours teach?
Theory and sanitation, cutting and fading, and shaving, styling and client care — practiced on live clients, not just mannequins, all aimed at the state exam. See the full curriculum in skills and techniques.
What It Costs
The money — and how you actually pay it
Cost is the number-one reason people stall. It's also the most solvable, thanks to weekly plans and two funding programs.
$4,600
Plan B · Afternoon
Mon–Fri, 2 PM–8 PM
$4,600
Plan C · Weekend
Sat & Sun, 9 AM–7 PM
$0
Possible out-of-pocket
via ACCES-VR / GI Bill®
How much does barber school cost?
The 500-hour Master Barber program is $5,600 for the morning schedule and $4,600 for the afternoon or weekend schedule. Students also buy their own tools, books and supplies (a list is provided at registration). Compared to a multi-year college degree, it's a fraction of the cost for a licensed, working credential. See every option on the tuition and funding page.
Are there payment plans?
Yes — every schedule offers a weekly payment plan. You put roughly $500–$550 down and pay a set weekly amount while you attend, rather than everything up front. Talk to admissions and they'll map the weekly amount to whichever schedule you pick.
Can veterans use the GI Bill®?
Yes. ABI is VA-approved under Title 38 USC § 3676, and eligible veterans can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and VA benefits toward training. See our funding & veterans guide for how the benefits apply.
What is ACCES-VR and could it cover me?
ACCES-VR is New York State's vocational rehabilitation program. If you qualify, it can cover tuition, tools and books and pay the school directly — meaning your out-of-pocket cost can be $0. Details are on our tuition and funding page.
Getting Started
Requirements & what comes after
What you bring on day one, and what a school owes you once you're licensed.
What do I need to enroll?
A Social Security card; a High School Diploma or GED (or pass the ATB entrance exam); you must be at least 17 years old; proof of residential address; and a valid photo ID or driver's license. No barbering background is needed. Full walkthrough in how to get started.
Do I need to buy my own tools?
Yes — students purchase their own barbering tools, books and supplies. A list of acceptable tools is provided at registration, and you can buy them from the school or another supplier. See our beginner resources.
Will I get help finding work after I'm licensed?
A good school connects graduates to hiring shops. ABI graduates have gone on to work at — and own — respected barbershops across New York; see where our graduates actually ended up for real examples.
How do I know a school is legitimate?
Confirm it's licensed by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED / BPSS) and that its program meets the full 500-hour state requirement. ABI has been state-licensed since 1996. You can verify licensing directly through the NY Division of Licensing Services.
Ready When You Are
Decided barbering is your move?
When you're ready to enroll, ABI runs the 500-hour program with new classes the first Monday of every month. Still deciding? Ask us anything.