Certifications & licenses in Virginia
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in VA. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Virginia
Licensing landscape in Virginia
As of September 1, 2024, the minimum training requirement for cosmetologists was reduced from 1,500 hours to 1,000 hours.
Board for Barbers and Cosmetology
Effective July 1, 2025, consumer recovery fund payment limits for actions against contractors increase from $20,000 to $30,000 per claim.
Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Act
As of October 1, 2023, Virginia implemented the 2025 National Continued Competency Program (NCCP) model, requiring 40 total hours for EMT recertification.
Virginia Office of EMS
A 2025 bill proposed increasing massage therapist training requirements from 500 to 625 hours to align with the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact).
Virginia House Bill 2612
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Virginia
A $60,000 salary in Virginia has roughly the purchasing power of a $58,939 salary in an average-cost-of-living state.
Regional comparison: Virginia vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs VA |
|---|---|---|
| VA | $43,200 | — |
| MD | $43,240 | +0% vs VA |
| WV | $36,720 | -15% vs VA |
| KY | $38,370 | -11% vs VA |
| TN | $37,990 | -12% vs VA |
| NC | $38,460 | -11% vs VA |
| State | Required training hours | vs VA |
|---|---|---|
| VA | 500 hours | — |
| MD | 750 hours | +250 hours |
| WV | 625 hours | +125 hours |
| KY | 600 hours | +100 hours |
| TN | 650 hours | +150 hours |
| NC | 650 hours | +150 hours |
Healthcare in Virginia
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $43,200 |
| Dental Assistant | No | $46,670 |
| EMT | Required | $45,420 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $64,920 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $44,740 |
| Medical Coder | No | $53,290 |
| Paramedic | Required | $60,480 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $44,610 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $46,340 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $80,670 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $93,600 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $82,910 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $67,580 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $102,950 |
Skilled Trades in Virginia
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $56,860 |
| Electrician | Required | $62,900 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $59,730 |
| Plumber | Required | $60,470 |
| Welder | No | $59,180 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Virginia
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $40,820 |
| Barber | Required | $46,730 |
| Cosmetologist | Required | — |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $62,220 |
Professional & Business in Virginia
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $93,290 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $63,990 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $60,520 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $63,980 |