Barber in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become a Barber in Virginia
To become a licensed Barber in Virginia, individuals must complete 1500 hours of training at a Virginia-approved barber school or a 3000-hour apprenticeship, or a Virginia high school barber program. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a written (theory) and practical NIC National Barber Styling Examination. The total cost for the exams is $194, and the application fee is $105. Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees with comparable qualifications, and a Universal License Recognition program for those licensed in another state for at least three years.
Barber Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500 hours of training at a barber school or 3000 hours apprenticeship, OR a Virginia high school barber program. (Note: Proposed rules effective July 1, 2025, may reduce barber program curriculum to 750 hours). |
| Exam | NIC National Barber Styling Examination (Written and Practical) ($194) |
| Application Fee | $105 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 16 years old. A criminal background check is required. Temporary permits are issued one time only and are valid for 90 days after issuance. Virginia does not require continuing education courses for renewal. |
Barber Salary in Virginia
The median barber salary in Virginia is $44,760 per year, which is 14.9% above the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,080 |
| 25th | $38,040 |
| 50th (median) | $44,760 |
| 75th | $72,680 |
| 90th (experienced) | $80,620 |
Barber Job Outlook
AI Impact on Barbers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.73/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Barber in Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.