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Verified by WV Board of Personal Care

Barber Licensing in West Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for barber in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Barber in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $34,360 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Barber licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $34,360, Barbers in West Virginia earn 12% below the national median of $38,960. West Virginia ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$34,360

Hourly estimate

$16.52
12% below national median

Difference: -$4,600

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$22,840
  • P2525th percentile$30,040
  • P50Median$34,360
  • P7575th percentile$45,310
  • P9090th percentile$58,990

State vs National Median

State: $34,360
National: $38,960

Total employment: 40 | Annual openings: N/A

Barber Salary Ranking

#39 of 50 statesfor Barber median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Iowa$78,480
#2Washington$70,750
#3North Carolina$64,290
#4Colorado$56,690
#5Louisiana$49,850

Nearby States Comparison

Barber licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$34,360Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$42,570Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$46,530Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$44,760Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$48,930Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$46,930Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3045582924

Visit Official WebsiteCall Board

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Cosmetologist$31,150Degree requiredVaries by board
Esthetician$37,750Specific course requiredVaries by board
Massage Therapist$42,730Specific course requiredVaries by board
Nail Technician$36,020Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Barber in West Virginia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Barbers in West Virginia?

West Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Barbers.

What education do you need to become a Barber in West Virginia?

The board typically expects Degree required for Barber licensure in West Virginia.

What is the typical Barber salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Barbers in West Virginia is $34,360. Salaries range from $22,840 (10th percentile) to $58,990 (90th percentile).

How does the Barber salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?

Barbers in West Virginia earn 12% below the national median of $38,960, with a state median of $34,360.

How many Barbers work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 40 Barbers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Barber license to West Virginia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Barbers in West Virginia?

The licensing agency is BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS. Review agency details at http://www.wvbbc.com/.

How often do you renew a Barber license in West Virginia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.