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Cosmetologist in Virginia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Virginia employs 10,200 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of n/a and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Cosmetologists Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: n/a (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): n/a
Experienced (75th percentile): n/a
Top earners (90th percentile): n/a
Employed in Virginia: 10,200
U.S. median (for comparison): $36,110 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Virginia markets:

Washington DC metro: $37,020 (7,010 employed)
Charlottesville: $28,720 (290 employed)
Roanoke: $27,750 (340 employed)

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +10.2%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,680 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Cosmetologist License — regulated by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR.

Complete a Virginia-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.
Pass the state cosmetology board exam — both the written (theory) and practical (hands-on) components. Most states use the NICS (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) exam or a state-specific exam.
Apply to Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR for your cosmetologist license. Renew biennially with CE hours. Cosmetologists can work in salons, spas, barber shops, theatrical/film makeup, and as educators once licensed.

Official requirements: Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR →

Training in Virginia

Virginia's cosmetology program takes 9–12 months full-time. DPOR administers the cosmetologist licensing exam (written and practical). Northern Virginia's diverse population (large Korean, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Salvadoran communities) creates multicultural salon demand. Richmond's growing arts and food scene supports an active independent salon culture. Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads have strong salon employment tied to the military community.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Virginia include:

Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School — Certificate
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette-Arlington — Certificate
Avi Career Training — Certificate
Chester Career College — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.

Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.

Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.

First Steps

Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do cosmetologists make in Virginia?

The median wage for cosmetologists in Virginia is n/a per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around n/a, and top earners (90th percentile) make about n/a. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Virginia?

Cosmetologist License, overseen by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR. Complete a Virginia-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.

Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Virginia?

Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.

Which Virginia metros pay cosmetologists the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $37,020, followed by Charlottesville ($28,720), Roanoke ($27,750). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Virginia?

Real Virginia options include Another Level Barbering and Cosmetology School, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Lafayette-Arlington, Avi Career Training. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Virginia?

Virginia projects cosmetologists employment to change +10.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,680 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Virginia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Virginia wages · Virginia licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.