Healthcare trades
cosmetologist salary in Virginia
BLS data for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Virginia is not currently available. Earnings often follow regional patterns, so nearby states can still help you benchmark the path. The current national median for this trade is $35,790 a year.
STATE MEDIAN
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Per year, 2025
TOP 10 PERCENT
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Per year
WORKERS IN STATE
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Reported employment
VS NATIONAL
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No published state wage row
What do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn in Virginia?
These percentile cuts show how pay spreads from entry level earnings to top-end specialists in the state.
10TH PERCENTILE
Not available
Lower end of the pay range
25TH PERCENTILE
Not available
Early career benchmark
MEDIAN
Not available
Middle of the market
75TH PERCENTILE
Not available
Experienced worker benchmark
90TH PERCENTILE
Not available
Top earning range
How does Virginia compare to national earnings?
Virginia does not have a publishable BLS wage line for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists right now. Use the cluster guide and the calculator to compare training costs, likely debt, and nearby state wages before you commit.
Virginia
Not available
State median annual wage
National median
$35,790
BLS national median wage
How do you train as a cosmetologist in Virginia?
In Virginia, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. Virginia typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Lowest debt path
Apprenticeship, community college, or employer-sponsored training usually keeps borrowing pressure lowest. That matters more than raw starting pay if you are comparing a free path against a private program.
What to verify before enrolling
Check tuition, licensing hours, exam pass rates, employer placement, and how quickly the program gets you to a paid job in Virginia.
What is the debt-to-income reality in Virginia?
The 8% rule says a monthly student loan payment should ideally stay below 8% of gross monthly income.
Because the state wage row is not currently available, the cleanest move is to use the CollegeLens calculator with your actual tuition and likely starting pay estimate.
Run your exact situationWhat else should you read next?
Healthcare trades guide
Read the full healthcare trades guide for training paths, debt ranges, and employer context.
cosmetologist salary in Texas
Compare this trade in Texas against Virginia.
dental hygienist salary in Virginia
See how a related trade in the same cluster pays in the same state.
Trade comparison methodology
See how CollegeLens sources BLS wages, training-cost ranges, and debt-to-income examples.
Common questions about cosmetologist pay in Virginia
What is the average cosmetologist salary in Virginia?
BLS does not currently publish a usable wage line for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Virginia. The national median for this trade is $35,790.
Is cosmetologist a good career in Virginia?
This can still be a workable path in Virginia, but you should compare local employer demand, training cost, and nearby state wage data because the current BLS state wage row is not available.
How do you become a cosmetologist in Virginia?
In Virginia, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. Virginia typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Where does Virginia rank for cosmetologist earnings?
Virginia does not currently have a publishable BLS wage row for this trade.
What does cosmetologist training cost in Virginia?
Training cost depends on the path. Apprenticeship can be near $0 out of pocket while you earn. Community college programs often land in the low thousands. Private trade school and certificate routes can be much higher. Always compare program cost against expected earnings in Virginia.