Barber in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a barber in Virginia
To become a licensed Barber in Virginia, individuals must complete 1500 hours of training at a Virginia-approved barber school or a 3000-hour apprenticeship, or a Virginia high school barber program. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a written (theory) and practical NIC National Barber Styling Examination. The total cost for the exams is $194, and the application fee is $105. Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees with comparable qualifications, and a Universal License Recognition program for those licensed in another state for at least three years.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Virginia requirements
| Licensing body | Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1500 hours of training at a barber school or 3000 hours apprenticeship, OR a Virginia high school barber program. (Note: Proposed rules effective July 1, 2025, may reduce barber program curriculum to 750 hours). |
| Exam | NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($194) |
| Application fee | $105 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Virginia offers licensure by endorsement and Universal License Recognition for out-of-state barbers with equivalent qualifications.Reciprocal states: Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for applicants holding a current, valid barber license from another state or U.S. Territory with substantially equivalent training and examination requirements. If training hours are less than 80% of Virginia's requirement, five years of work experience may substitute for training. Universal License Recognition (ULR) is also available for qualified out-of-state applicants who have been licensed for at least three years, passed an examination, met training standards, have no disciplinary actions or disqualifying criminal record. |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 16 years old. A criminal background check is required. Temporary permits are issued one time only and are valid for 90 days after issuance. Virginia does not require continuing education courses for renewal. |
Source: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Virginia? See whether Virginia recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Barber license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
Compare Barber head-to-head
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