CertOutlook

Barber in Virginia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$44,760
trending_up +14.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$299

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (typically 8-12 months for 1100-hour program, but 1500 hours is current requirement)

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

10th percentile (entry) $36,080
25th percentile $38,040
50th (median) $44,760
75th percentile $72,680
90th (experienced) $80,620

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Virginia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Virginia requirements

Licensing bodyVirginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
State license Required
Education1500 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).
ExamNIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($194)
Application fee$105
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesApplicants 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

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.1%
Faster than average
Annual openings
8,400
Nationwide per year
Total employment
76,000
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.73/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleVirginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a barber in Virginia? expand_more
The path to barber licensure in Virginia: complete the 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).), pass the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical), and submit your application ($105 fee).
Does Virginia require barber licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in Virginia. Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology handles barber licensing — the NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) is part of the process.
How much does a barber make in Virginia? expand_more
In Virginia, the median pay for barbers comes to $44,760/year. This exceeds the $38,960 national median by 15%. The range spans from $36,080 at the entry level to $80,620 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get barber certified in Virginia? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($194) and application fee ($105) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a barber in Virginia? expand_more
The typical timeline in Virginia is Varies (typically 8-12 months for 1100-hour program, but 1500 hours is current requirement). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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