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

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Virginia employs 1,970 estheticians, with a statewide median of $39,350 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Virginia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Estheticians Earn in Virginia (May 2025)

Virginia median pay: $39,350 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $31,530
Experienced (75th percentile): $49,980
Top earners (90th percentile): $67,520
Employed in Virginia: 1,970
U.S. median (for comparison): $41,010 (May 2024)

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

Washington DC metro: $46,620 (1,300 employed)
Charlottesville: $40,780 (60 employed)
Roanoke: $37,240 (30 employed)
Richmond: $35,370 (330 employed)
Virginia Beach–Norfolk: $34,190 (530 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Virginia

Prices in Virginia run about 1% above the national average (cost-of-living index 101.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $39,350 median is worth closer to $38,922 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Virginia (2024–2034)

Virginia is projected to grow estheticians employment +11.5%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 280 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Virginia License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Esthetician (Skin Care Specialist) — regulated by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR.

Complete a Virginia-approved esthetics training program (600 hours hours). Programs cover facial treatments, chemical exfoliation, waxing, skin analysis, sanitation, and state cosmetology law. Programs are available at cosmetology schools, community colleges, and dedicated esthetics schools.
Pass the state esthetics board exam (written theory + practical skills). Virginia uses a DPOR-administered written and practical exam. Virginia also offers a Master Esthetics endorsement (1,100 total hours) for practitioners wanting to perform advanced skin treatments.
Apply to Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR for your esthetician license. Renew biennially (or per state schedule) with CE hours. Virginia's Master Esthetics endorsement (1,100 total hours) allows practitioners to perform more advanced treatments including laser-adjacent services.

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

Training in Virginia

Virginia's 600-hour requirement is average nationally. Northern Virginia's upscale spa market (Fairfax, McLean, Reston, Tysons) is one of the highest-paying in the South Atlantic region, reflecting the DC metro premium. Virginia Beach's resort and military community creates steady esthetics demand. Charlottesville and Richmond have growing boutique spa markets tied to their wine country and arts scenes.

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 enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.

Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.

Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.

First Steps

Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do estheticians make in Virginia?

The median wage for estheticians in Virginia is $39,350 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $67,520. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Virginia?

Licensed Esthetician (Skin Care Specialist), overseen by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology — DPOR. Complete a Virginia-approved esthetics training program (600 hours hours). Programs cover facial treatments, chemical exfoliation, waxing, skin analysis, sanitation, and state cosmetology law. Programs are available at cosmetology schools, community colleges, and dedicated esthetics schools.

Is being an Esthetician a good career in Virginia?

Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.

Which Virginia metros pay estheticians the most?

Among Virginia metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $46,620, followed by Charlottesville ($40,780), Roanoke ($37,240). 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 an Esthetician in Virginia?

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

Is Esthetician a growing career in Virginia?

Virginia projects estheticians employment to change +11.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 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 39-5094. 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); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

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.