BARCOS INSTITUTE · FOR PROSPECTIVE HOST SHOPS
What will an apprentice actually cost?
Move the sliders to match how you'd realistically start — most shops begin at the low end. This gives you a real planning number, not a guess.
Hours & wage
Most shops start apprentices part-time while they build basic skills.
$13.73 is Michigan's current minimum wage (as of Jan 2026). Your actual apprentice wage should follow Barcos Institute's approved wage schedule — this is a planning estimate.
Workers' compensation rate
Actual rates vary by carrier and classification — barbering is generally a lower-risk trade. Confirm your real rate with your insurance provider.
Going PRO Talent Fund offset
Going PRO can reimburse $2,000–$3,500 per apprentice toward training costs — but only after training happens, applied for through your local Michigan Works! Agency. Don't count on this to cover upfront costs.
Your estimated cost
Weekly wages$0
Employer payroll tax (7.65%)$0
Workers' comp$0
Total per week$0
$0
Total for the period you selected
Going PRO reimbursement (one-time)−$0
Net cost after reimbursement$0
Before you commit: confirm the exact starting wage against Barcos Institute's approved RAP wage progression schedule, confirm your workers' comp rate with your actual carrier, and remember Going PRO pays out as a reimbursement after the fact — not upfront. This tool is for planning conversations, not a binding quote.