Opening a barbershop in Pennsylvania can be a rewarding business. The state’s regulatory framework is run by the State Board of Barber Examiners under the PA Department of State, which sets rules for barber licenses, shop (establishment) licenses, and health and safety. You cannot open until the Board has inspected and approved your shop. Pennsylvania generally offers more affordable rent and costs than many coastal states.
This guide walks you through what you need specifically in Pennsylvania: barber license (1,250 hours at a licensed school or shop, then exam), Shop License (application, fee, inspection before opening), business registration with the PA Department of State (Bureau of Corporations), workers’ compensation, realistic costs for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where to look for space, equipment, and how to hire licensed barbers (including manager-barber requirements) while staying compliant with Pennsylvania law.
8 Steps to Open Your Barbershop in Pennsylvania
Research and Business Plan
Pennsylvania’s barbershop market varies by region. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have dense, competitive areas; Harrisburg, Allentown, Erie, and smaller cities offer lower rent and steady local demand. Many barbershops struggle with unclear pricing and target clientele—doing solid research up front helps you avoid that.
What to research in Pennsylvania:
- Local competition: Use Yelp and Google Maps to see how many barbershops are in your target area, what they charge (typical Pennsylvania haircuts range from about $20–$40 in many areas to $45–$65+ in premium Philadelphia or Pittsburgh spots), and what makes them stand out.
- Your clientele: Define who you’re serving—professionals, families, students, or a specific community.
- Rent and costs: Commercial rent in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can be moderate to high; Harrisburg, Allentown, Erie, and suburbs are often more affordable. Check LoopNet, Zillow Commercial, or local brokers.
- Peak times: Match your hours to when clients actually come—lunch and evening slots matter in business districts.
Your business plan should include:
- Executive summary: Your concept, target market, and how you’ll compete in your Pennsylvania market.
- Market and competition: Local demand, competitor pricing, and your positioning.
- Marketing plan: How you’ll get clients—Google, Instagram, and word of mouth.
- Financial projections: Revenue, rent, labor, and profitability.
- Operations: Hours, services, and day-to-day running of the shop (including manager-barber if required).
Useful resources for Pennsylvania businesses:
Strategic Location in Pennsylvania
Where you open in Pennsylvania has a big impact on rent, clientele, and competition. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer dense, diverse markets; Harrisburg, Allentown, Erie, Scranton, and suburbs often offer lower rent and steady demand.
What makes a good Pennsylvania location:
- Foot traffic and visibility: Storefronts on busy streets or near offices and retail draw more walk-ins.
- Parking: Many Pennsylvania clients drive; easy parking matters.
- Zoning: Confirm with the municipality that the space is allowed for personal care / barbershop use before signing a lease. The Board does not require zoning approval with the application but you must comply with local rules.
- Physical address: The shop must have a physical street address (not only a P.O. box) for the Board.
Search for commercial space in Pennsylvania:
Major Pennsylvania markets:
Philadelphia
Center City, South Philly, Northeast, Northwest—dense, diverse. Rent and competition vary by neighborhood. Strong demand.
Pittsburgh
Downtown, East End, South Side, North Shore—mix of urban and neighborhood. Generally more affordable than Philadelphia.
Harrisburg, Allentown, Erie
State capital, Lehigh Valley, and Erie offer lower rents and steady local demand; good options to start with less capital.
Other areas
Scranton, Lancaster, Reading, York, and suburbs across the state offer a range of rents and competition.
Legal Requirements and Permits in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania barbershops are regulated by the State Board of Barber Examiners (under the PA Department of State). You must have a barber license for every person cutting hair (1,250 hours over at least 9 months at a licensed barber school or shop under a licensed barber teacher/manager, then pass the combined practical and theory exam) and a Shop License for the barbershop. You cannot open until the Board has inspected and approved the shop. You also need business registration with the PA Department of State where applicable, and workers’ compensation is mandatory for employers with at least one employee.
Barber License (Individual)
Every barber who cuts or shaves hair in your Pennsylvania shop must hold a current Barber License from the State Board of Barber Examiners. You must complete 1,250 hours of instruction in barbering over at least 9 months at a licensed barber school (under a licensed barber teacher) or in a licensed barber shop (under a licensed barber manager or teacher). You must have completed the 8th grade or equivalent, be at least 16 years old, and pass one examination that includes both practical (hands-on) and theoretical (written) sections. Submit a notarized affidavit from your school or shop verifying completion of the 1,250 hours, along with criminal background checks. Apply and renew through the PALS system (pals.pa.gov). Initial fee: $173 (includes $33 application, $63 theory exam, $77 practical exam). Biennial renewal: $184. No continuing education is required for renewal.
Where: PA State Board of Barber Examiners – PALS
PA – Barber licensure snapshot →PALS (apply/renew) →Shop License (Barbershop)
Your barbershop must have a Shop License from the State Board of Barber Examiners. Submit a Shop Licensure Application (used for initial licensure, complete change of ownership, or relocation). Fee: $110 (check or money order payable to Commonwealth of PA). You cannot open or operate prior to inspection and approval. The Board will schedule an inspection only after a completed application is successfully reviewed and all discrepancies are resolved. Allow at least four weeks for processing. The application is active for six months from receipt; if not processed by then, reapplication is required. Every barbershop must have a licensed manager-barber listed as manager, except: one-barber shops, or shops owned by a licensed cosmetologist with only one barber and one cosmetologist. For relocations, you may continue operating at the existing location until the new location is inspected. For ownership changes, the previous owner must return the shop license and the new owner cannot operate until inspection is complete. Register any fictitious or trade names with the Corporation Bureau.
Where: State Board of Barber Examiners
PA – Barber Examiners Board →Barber licensure guide →Business Entity and Bureau of Corporations
If you operate as an LLC or corporation, you must form and register the entity with the PA Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (BCCO). File through the Business Filing Services portal at file.dos.pa.gov. For a Pennsylvania Domestic LLC, file a Certificate of Organization (current fee $125). Every domestic and foreign company must have a registered Pennsylvania street address (P.O. boxes not permitted). Sole proprietors may register a fictitious or trade name with the Corporation Bureau.
Where: PA Department of State – Business
PA – Register a business →PA – Business programs →EIN and Taxes
If you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS (free, online). If you sell retail products (e.g. pomade, beard oil), you generally need to register for Pennsylvania sales tax with the PA Department of Revenue and collect and remit sales tax.
IRS – EIN →PA Revenue – Sales tax →Workers’ Compensation Insurance
General liability insurance is strongly recommended for barbershops (and often required by landlords). In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation coverage is mandatory for employers with at least one employee. You can obtain coverage through the State Workers’ Insurance Fund, a private insurer licensed in Pennsylvania, or self-insurance (with Department of Labor and Industry approval). Failure to carry required coverage can result in civil lawsuits, criminal prosecution, and reimbursement obligations to the state. Get coverage as soon as you have employees.
PA – Workers’ compensation →Estimated Initial Investment in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is generally more affordable than New York or California. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can be moderate to high; Harrisburg, Allentown, Erie, and smaller cities are more affordable. Below is an approximate breakdown in U.S. dollars for a small to mid-size shop in Pennsylvania.
Note: In Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, the upper end of these ranges is more common. In Harrisburg, Allentown, Erie, or smaller cities, you may land in the lower to mid range. Keeping 3–6 months of operating expenses as working capital is a good practice.
Manage Your Barbershop with Technology
From day one, use management software like BarberíaClub to:
- Organise appointments online 24/7
- Manage clients and their history
- Send automatic reminders
- Reduce no-shows and stay organised
- Save time on admin
Equipment You Need for Your Pennsylvania Barbershop
The Board expects clean, well-maintained tools and proper sterilization. Invest in professional chairs, mirrors, lighting, clippers, shears, and razors. Below are ballpark prices in USD and where to shop (national retailers ship to Pennsylvania).
Professional Barber Chairs
You need at least one chair per barber. Hydraulic, durable chairs are the backbone of the shop.
Estimated price: $300 – $3,500 per chair
Entry-level from around $300; premium brands $2,000+.
Mirrors and Lighting
Large mirrors and good lighting are required for quality work and a professional setup.
Estimated price: $200 – $2,000+ (mirrors and lights combined)
Clippers, Shears, and Razors
Each barber needs professional clippers (e.g. Wahl, Andis, Oster), quality shears, and razors. Proper sterilization between clients is required—invest in an autoclave or approved disinfectant systems.
Estimated price: $150 – $600+ per clipper; $80 – $500+ per shear set; razors and blades extra
Products and Disinfection
Stock pomades, gels, beard oil, aftershave, and other retail products if you sell them (remember PA sales tax registration). Keep EPA-approved disinfectants and follow sterilization rules.
Estimated price: $1,000 – $5,000 initial product and disinfection supply
Staff Hiring in Pennsylvania
Every barber in your Pennsylvania shop must have a current Barber License from the State Board of Barber Examiners. Most shops must have a licensed manager-barber listed as manager—exceptions are one-barber shops or shops owned by a licensed cosmetologist with only one barber and one cosmetologist. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is the federal rate ($7.25/hour as of 2025); tipped minimum is $2.83. Legislation may change minimum wages in coming years (e.g. Philadelphia and other areas). Workers’ compensation is required for employers with at least one employee.
What to consider when hiring in Pennsylvania:
- License verification: Confirm the barber’s license is current and in good standing with the State Board of Barber Examiners.
- Manager-barber: If you have more than one barber (and are not in the cosmetologist-owned one-barber-one-cosmetologist exception), you must have a licensed manager-barber.
- Experience and portfolio: Review their work and, if possible, client references.
- Pay structure: Be clear on hourly vs. commission vs. booth rent, and comply with PA minimum wage and wage-and-hour rules.
- Workers’ comp: Get coverage as soon as you have employees—mandatory in Pennsylvania.
Resources for hiring and compliance in Pennsylvania:
Management System and Technology
Many barbershops struggle with no-shows and double bookings. Software like BarberíaClub lets you take bookings online 24/7, keep client history, and send reminders—which Pennsylvania clients increasingly expect, especially in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Marketing and Promotion in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, Instagram and Google are essential. Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile so you show up in local search and Maps. Post your work, location, and prices; run occasional promotions to fill the chair. In competitive markets like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, a clear brand and consistent posting help you stand out. Word of mouth still works—deliver great service and ask happy clients for reviews.
- Google Business Profile: Keep your address, hours, and photos updated so you appear in “barbershop near me” searches.
- Instagram: Post cuts, fades, and shop vibes; use local hashtags (e.g. #PhillyBarber #PittsburghBarber #PABarber) to reach Pennsylvania clients.
- Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp—they matter in crowded Pennsylvania markets.
Tips for Success in Pennsylvania
Frequently Asked Questions – Pennsylvania
Do I need a license to open a barbershop in Pennsylvania?
Yes. You need a Shop License from the State Board of Barber Examiners for the barbershop, and every barber who cuts or shaves hair must have a current Barber License from the Board. You cannot open until the Board has inspected and approved the shop. Most shops must also have a licensed manager-barber (exceptions: one-barber shops or cosmetologist-owned with one barber and one cosmetologist). You also need workers’ compensation if you have employees.
How many hours of training are required for a Pennsylvania barber license?
You must complete 1,250 hours of instruction in barbering over at least 9 months at a licensed barber school (under a licensed barber teacher) or in a licensed barber shop (under a licensed barber manager or teacher). You must have completed the 8th grade or equivalent, be at least 16, and pass the combined practical and theory exam. Initial fee $173; biennial renewal $184. Apply and renew through PALS (pals.pa.gov). See the State Board of Barber Examiners and Barber licensure guide for full details.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Pennsylvania?
A realistic range is roughly $25,000–$95,000+, depending on size, location, and build-out. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh tend toward the upper end; Harrisburg, Allentown, Erie, and smaller cities can be lower. Rent, security deposit, build-out, equipment, licenses, insurance (including mandatory workers’ comp), and 3–6 months of working capital are the main cost drivers.
What is the first step to open a barbershop in Pennsylvania?
Plan your business and confirm your barbers (or yourself) have or will get a barber license (1,250 hours, exam). Secure a location with a physical street address that meets local zoning. Form your business entity with the PA Department of State (Bureau of Corporations) if using an LLC or corporation. Submit the Shop Licensure Application to the State Board of Barber Examiners ($110) and do not open until the Board has inspected and approved the shop. Ensure you have a manager-barber if required, and get workers’ compensation as soon as you have employees.