How to Become A Cosmetologist in West Virginia
West Virginia employs approximately 1,020 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $34,480 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 75,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cosmetologist in West Virginia, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in West Virginia
How do I become a cosmetologist in West Virginia? West Virginia requires credentials such as Cosmetology, Barbering, Hair Stylist. The licensing authority is the BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in West Virginia? Yes. West Virginia has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in West Virginia? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in West Virginia is $34,480 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $23,580 and experienced professionals can earn $60,300 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS
- Median wage (West Virginia): $34,480 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Cosmetologist License Requirements in West Virginia
The BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS oversees cosmetologist licensing in West Virginia 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | If you are already licensed in another state, please click here. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed barber, cosmetologists, nail technician, or aesthetician should follow the steps outlined… |
| Barbering | If you are already licensed in another state, please click here. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed barber, cosmetologists, nail technician, or aesthetician should follow the steps outlined… |
| Hair Stylist | If you are already licensed in another state, please click here. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed barber, cosmetologists, nail technician, or aesthetician should follow the steps outlined… |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in West Virginia
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in West Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in West Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 7,010 | $37,020 | $49,360 | $26,900 | $78,900 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | 910 | $32,710 | $36,350 | $31,200 | $39,520 |
| Wheeling | 200 | $31,720 | $38,880 | $23,920 | $59,180 |
| Winchester | 180 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Morgantown | 150 | $32,790 | $39,480 | $23,440 | $59,030 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | 150 | $32,390 | $40,690 | $23,420 | $62,950 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 140 | $29,580 | $37,560 | $21,880 | $58,250 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | 80 | $30,490 | $38,840 | $24,130 | $58,660 |
| Beckley | 70 | $28,610 | $35,390 | $22,630 | $57,030 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cosmetologists in West Virginia
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within West Virginia according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling | 200 | $31,720 |
| Morgantown | 150 | $32,790 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | 150 | $32,390 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 140 | $29,580 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | 80 | $30,490 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in West Virginia? West Virginia currently employs approximately 1,020 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in West Virginia with an out-of-state license? Contact the BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in West Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in West Virginia.
How much do cosmetologists earn in West Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in West Virginia is $34,480, which is $770 below the national median of $35,250 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS - Licensing Information: http://www.wvbbc.com ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |