Cosmetologist in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Virginia
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Virginia, individuals must complete 1,000 hours of training in a licensed Virginia school or 3,000 hours through an approved apprenticeship program. Applicants must then pass both the Virginia Cosmetology Written (Theory) and Practical Exams, administered by PSI/Prov. The application fee is $105, and the combined exam cost is $194. Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state licensees who meet substantially equivalent training and examination requirements, and the state is also joining the Cosmetology Compact, expected to be active in early 2026.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1,000 hours in a licensed Virginia school or 3,000 hours in an approved apprenticeship program. (Note: New curriculum requirements are effective September 1, 2024, but the hour requirement remains 1,000 hours for school training). |
| Exam | Virginia Cosmetology Written (Theory) and Practical Exams (administered by PSI/Prov) ($194) |
| Application Fee | $105 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16 years old. No high school diploma or equivalent is explicitly required for cosmetology licensure. Virginia has enacted legislation to join the Cosmetology Compact, which is expected to activate for licensees in early 2026. |
Cosmetologist Salary in Virginia
The median cosmetologist salary in Virginia is $37,850 per year, which is 7.4% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $26,000 |
| 25th | $28,090 |
| 50th (median) | $37,850 |
| 75th | $56,410 |
| 90th (experienced) | $88,980 |
Virginia employs approximately 9,480 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.68/1.00)
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 Cosmetologist in Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.