Cosmetologist in West Virginia

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

Median annual salary

$31,150

trending_down -11.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, West Virginia.

engineering

1,040

Jobs (WV)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$263

Licensing fees

route How to become a cosmetologist in West Virginia

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in West Virginia, applicants must complete an 1800-hour training program from a school approved by the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, possess a high school diploma or GED, and obtain a certificate of health from a licensed physician. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and pass both the written and practical NIC National Cosmetology Exams. West Virginia offers reciprocity for licensees from other states, particularly those that utilize the NIC examination, though a state law exam may be required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $23,020

25th percentile $27,390

50th (median) $31,150

75th percentile $46,330

90th (experienced) $58,380

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

checklist West Virginia requirements

Licensing body	West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
State license	Required
Education	1800-hour training program from a board-approved school, high school diploma or GED, and a certificate of health from a licensed physician.
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($228)
Application fee	$35
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Must be of good moral character. Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible for employment in the U.S. As of May 8, 2022, continuing education is no longer required for cosmetologists in West Virginia.

Source: West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

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_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist 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 I become a cosmetologist in West Virginia? expand_more

To become a cosmetologist in West Virginia, you need to complete the required education (1800-hour training program from a board-approved school, high school diploma or GED, and a certificate of health from a licensed physician.), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($35 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in West Virginia? expand_more

You cannot practice as a cosmetologist in West Virginia without a state license from West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The required exam is the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

What do cosmetologists earn in West Virginia? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in West Virginia is $31,150 per year. That's 12% below the national median of $35,250. The range spans from $23,020 at the entry level to $58,380 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a cosmetologist in West Virginia? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($228) and application fee ($35) plus your education and training.