Cosmetologist in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Virginia.
Jobs (VA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Virginia
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Virginia, individuals must complete 1,000 hours of training in a licensed Virginia school or 3,000 hours through an approved apprenticeship program. Applicants must then pass both the Virginia Cosmetology Written (Theory) and Practical Exams, administered by PSI/Prov. The application fee is $105, and the combined exam cost is $194. Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees who meet substantially equivalent training and examination requirements, and the state is also joining the Cosmetology Compact, expected to be active in early 2026.
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 | 1,000 hours in a licensed Virginia school or 3,000 hours in an approved apprenticeship program. (Note: New curriculum requirements are effective September 1, 2024, but the hour requirement remains 1,000 hours for school training). |
| Exam | Virginia Cosmetology Written (Theory) and Practical Exams (administered by PSI/Prov) ($194) |
| Application fee | $105 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16 years old. No high school diploma or equivalent is explicitly required for cosmetology licensure. Virginia has enacted legislation to join the Cosmetology Compact, which is expected to activate for licensees in early 2026. |
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_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk