Barber in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV
How to Become a Barber in West Virginia
To become a licensed Barber in West Virginia, individuals must complete 1200 hours of training at a West Virginia Board-approved barber school and possess a high school diploma or GED. After completing the education, applicants must pass the NIC National Barber 1 Written Examination, NIC National Barber 1 Practical Examination, and the West Virginia State Law Examination. The final step involves submitting an application with a $35 fee to the West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. The license must be renewed annually, but continuing education hours are no longer required.
Barber Requirements in West Virginia
| Detail | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1200 hours of training at an approved barber school and high school diploma or GED. |
| Experience Required | 1,200.0 hours |
| Exam | NIC National Barber 1 Written Examination, NIC National Barber 1 Practical Examination, and West Virginia State Law Examination ($99) |
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18 years old. Must provide a health certificate from a licensed physician and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal eligibility to work. Apprenticeships are not currently allowed as a career path to become a barber in West Virginia. However, if licensed in another state, work experience may be accepted in lieu of some training hours for reciprocity. |
Source: West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Barber Salary in West Virginia
The median barber salary in West Virginia is $34,360 per year, which is 11.8% below the national median of $38,960.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $22,840 |
| 25th | $30,040 |
| 50th (median) | $34,360 |
| 75th | $45,310 |
| 90th (experienced) | $58,990 |
West Virginia employs approximately 40 barbers.
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 West Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: West Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.