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Cosmetologist Licensing in West Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist 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

    $31,150 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Cosmetologist 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 $31,150, Cosmetologists in West Virginia earn 12% below the national median of $35,250. West Virginia ranks #33 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

$31,150

Hourly estimate

$14.98
12% below national median

Difference: -$4,100

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$23,020
  • P2525th percentile$27,390
  • P50Median$31,150
  • P7575th percentile$46,330
  • P9090th percentile$58,380

State vs National Median

State: $31,150
National: $35,250

Total employment: 1,040 | Annual openings: N/A

Cosmetologist Salary Ranking

#33 of 50 statesfor Cosmetologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$58,920
#2Hawaii$52,000
#3Vermont$49,640
#4South Dakota$49,050
#5Maine$48,480

Nearby States Comparison

Cosmetologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$31,150Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$29,680Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$36,440Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$37,850Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$32,170Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$29,440Specific 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
Barber$34,360Degree 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 Cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologists in West Virginia?

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

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

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

What is the typical Cosmetologist salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Cosmetologists in West Virginia is $31,150. Salaries range from $23,020 (10th percentile) to $58,380 (90th percentile).

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

Cosmetologists in West Virginia earn 12% below the national median of $35,250, with a state median of $31,150.

How many Cosmetologists work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 1,040 Cosmetologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologists in West Virginia?

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

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

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