CertOutlook

Barber in West Virginia

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

Median annual salary
$34,360
trending_down -11.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.

engineering
40

Jobs (WV)

monitoring Strong
+4.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$134

Licensing fees

schedule
9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a barber in West Virginia

To become a licensed Barber in West Virginia, individuals must complete 1200 hours of training at a West Virginia Board-approved barber school and possess a high school diploma or GED. After completing the education, applicants must pass the NIC National Barber 1 Written Examination, NIC National Barber 1 Practical Examination, and the West Virginia State Law Examination. The final step involves submitting an application with a $35 fee to the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The license must be renewed annually, but continuing education hours are no longer required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $22,840
25th percentile $30,040
50th (median) $34,360
75th percentile $45,310
90th (experienced) $58,990

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

checklist West Virginia requirements

Licensing bodyWest Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
State license Required
Education1200 hours of training at an approved barber school and high school diploma or GED.
Experience1,200.0 hours
ExamNIC National Barber 1 Written Examination, NIC National Barber 1 Practical Examination, and West Virginia State Law Examination ($99)
Application fee$35
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesMinimum age of 18 years old. Must provide a health certificate from a licensed physician and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal eligibility to work. Apprenticeships are not currently allowed as a career path to become a barber in West Virginia. However, if licensed in another state, work experience may be accepted in lieu of some training hours for reciprocity.

Source: West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

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_circleWest Virginia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a barber in West Virginia? expand_more
To become a barber in West Virginia, you need to complete the required education (1200 hours of training at an approved barber school and high school diploma or GED.), gain 1,200.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NIC National Barber 1 Written Examination, NIC National Barber 1 Practical Examination, and West Virginia State Law Examination, and submit your application ($35 fee).
Is a barber license required in West Virginia? expand_more
A state license is required in West Virginia. West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists handles barber licensing — the NIC National Barber 1 Written Examination, NIC National Barber 1 Practical Examination, and West Virginia State Law Examination is part of the process.
What do barbers earn in West Virginia? expand_more
The median barber salary in West Virginia is $34,360 per year. That's 12% below the national median of $38,960. Wages range from $22,840 (10th percentile) up to $58,990 (90th percentile).
What are the fees to become a barber in West Virginia? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($99) and application fee ($35). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How quickly can I become a barber in West Virginia? expand_more
The typical timeline in West Virginia is 9-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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