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Nail Technician Licensing in West Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nail Technician in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $36,020 median (4% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of 36,020, Nail Technicians in West Virginia earn 4% above the national median of $34,660. West Virginia ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$36,020

Hourly estimate

$17.32
4% above national median

Difference: +$1,360

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$29,190
  • P2525th percentile$31,090
  • P50Median$36,020
  • P7575th percentile$44,690
  • P9090th percentile$55,580

State vs National Median

State: $36,020
National: $34,660

Total employment: 180 | Annual openings: N/A

Nail Technician Salary Ranking

#18 of 50 statesfor Nail Technician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Kentucky60,950
#2Maine49,430
#3Washington47,840
#4Alaska46,040
#5New Mexico42,840

Nearby States Comparison

Nail Technician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$36,020Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$27,480Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Maryland$36,380Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Virginia$36,970Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$60,950Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Ohio$35,900Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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 Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

BARBERS & COSMETOLOGISTS

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3045582924

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$34,360Degree required6-24 months
Cosmetologist$31,150Degree required6-24 months
Esthetician$37,750Specific course required6-24 months
Massage Therapist$42,730Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Nail Technicians in West Virginia?

West Virginia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Nail Technicians.

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

The board typically expects Specific course required for Nail Technician licensure in West Virginia.

What is the typical Nail Technician salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Nail Technicians in West Virginia is 36,020. Salaries range from $29,190 (10th percentile) to $55,580 (90th percentile).

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

Nail Technicians in West Virginia earn 4% above the national median of $34,660, with a state median of 36,020.

How many Nail Technicians work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 180 Nail Technicians according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Nail Technicians in West Virginia?

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