Daytime Full-Time
Tue–Fri, 9:00am–4:30pm
First & third Saturday, 9:00am–2:00pm
Est. completion: 12 months
Knoxville's only exclusive barber academy
Master Your CraftBecome a Licensed Master Barber
Train for the Tennessee master barber license in our 1,500-hour program, with day, part-time and evening schedules and interest-free weekly tuition payments. Since 2015, we've put our full attention on one thing: the barber industry.
- Since January 2015
- Evening program
- Interest-free payments
- State Board prep
1,500 hrsMaster Barber training, hands-on from day one
The Short Answer
The Master Academy of Barbering, at 4700 Western Ave in Knoxville, Tennessee, is the city's only barber-exclusive school. It trains students for the Tennessee master barber license through a 1,500-hour Master Barber course ($11,750 including kit, paid in interest-free weekly payments), offers daytime full-time, daytime part-time and evening schedules, and runs a student barbershop open to the public.
- Program
- Master Barber · 1,500 hrs
- Schedules
- Day, part-time & evening
- Full-time finish
- About 12 months
- Payments
- $100/wk, 0% interest
Why the Master Academy
Barbering. Only barbering.
We are Knoxville's only exclusive barber academy and place our full attention on the barber industry, so our students get an advanced educational experience that prepares them for a fast-paced, exciting career.
We're dedicated to our students' success by enriching lives and cultivating professionals through innovative, personalized post-secondary education in a creative and inspiring environment, including the business skills and financial responsibility needed to succeed in the industry.
- All hair textures. Our students service all hair textures, including women's cuts.
- Modern meets traditional. Fades and designs alongside straight-razor shaves.
- Real clients. Build speed and confidence in our working student barbershop.
Interested in barbering?
See Your Potential Earnings
Barbering is a skilled trade with real earning power, and demand is growing.
$18.37/hr
U.S. median barber wage, tips included (BLS, May 2025)
$76K+
Yearly pay of the top 10% of barbers ($36.76+/hr)
7%
Projected job growth, 2025–35: “much faster than average”
80K
Openings a year for barbers, hairstylists & cosmetologists
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Figures are national; individual results vary.
Programs & schedules
A Schedule That Fits Your Life
Choose daytime full-time, daytime part-time or evenings. Ambitious students can request 10-hour days and graduate early.
Daytime Part-Time
Tue–Fri, 9:00am–2:30pm
First & third Saturday, 9:00am–2:30pm
Est. completion: 17 months
Evening
Tue–Fri, 5:30pm–9:00pm
Second & fourth Saturday, 9:00am–2:00pm
Est. completion: 21 months
Inside the academy
Hands-On From Day One
Reviews
What Students & Clients Say
“MAOB is a one of a kind, very easy going place to get top notch barber training. I just finished my 1500hrs. today and I enjoyed every minute. Not every barber college offers a night program like MAOB and I could not have done it without that schedule. For ANY professional who works days, and has an interest barbering in the Knoxville area, this is the place to check out!”
“Loved this place, as a student and employee! It was my second home for 1500 hrs. They supported me through everything! And I do mean everything!”
“I went to school here and it is hands down the best school I’ve attended. Very personable and great education.”
“Graduated 2 years ago and still go back to visit. MAOB got me to where I needed to be and helped me accomplish my goal of becoming a barber. MsD is awesome and she works so hard 12 hour days everyday. Also I was able to meet some great people there who are now my best friends. Thank you MAOB for everything!!!”
“I am currently a student there and could not recommend it more. The instructor (Mrs. D) is so knowledgeable, friendly, helpful! Whether you are a potential customer – looking for quality service at a great price, or a potential student, you can’t ask for a better deal! Come give us a try.”
“What a great place to start a career!!! The Master Barber, Ms. Dyon, is fantastic! If you want to learn a lifetime skill, check out the Master Academy!!!”
Student barbershop
Fresh Cuts From $7
Visit our school and take advantage of our full menu of services, performed by students and checked by licensed instructors.
- Men's & children's cuts $7–$15
- Straight-razor shaves, beard trims & designs
- Women's cuts, silk press, color & natural styles
Tue & Thu 10:30am–8pm · Wed 10:30am–3:30pm · Fri 10:30am–9pm · Sat 9am–1pm
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does barber school take at the Master Academy of Barbering?
The Master Barber course is 1,500 hours. Daytime full-time students finish in about 12 months, daytime part-time in about 17 months, and evening students in about 21 months. Students approved for 10-hour days can graduate early. The current record is 9 months.
How much does barber school cost in Knoxville?
The Master Barber course is $11,750 total: $10,500 tuition plus a $1,250 professional kit. The $1,250 deposit is the kit, not an extra fee. Tuition is paid in interest-free weekly payments of $100, with payoff required by the last 100 hours. See tuition details.
Do you offer night or evening barber classes?
Yes. The evening program runs 5:30pm–9:00pm Tuesday–Friday plus the second and fourth Saturday from 9:00am–2:00pm, so you can keep your day job while you train.
What do I need to enroll?
Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card and the $1,250 down payment. There is no credit check. Call (865) 315-7473 ext. 2 to schedule a tour or a contract signing.
I'm already a licensed cosmetologist. Can I become a barber?
Yes. Our Cosmo Cross Over program is $5,100 total ($4,250 tuition + $850 kit), and scholarships are available. Call (865) 315-7473 ext. 2 to ask about eligibility.
How much do barbers make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for barbers was $18.37 an hour (about $38,200 a year) in May 2025, tips included, and the top 10% earned more than $36.76 an hour (about $76,500 a year). See your potential earnings.
Start Your Barber Career
Talk with admissions about schedules, tuition and the next start date. Call or stop by 4700 Western Ave for a tour.
(865) 315-7473