You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
You must renew your license every year.
4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
The average salary for barbers in West Virginia is $21,100 ($10.15/hour). This is higher than the national average of $30,150 ($14.50/hour).
There is a predicted 7% job increase for barbers between 2018-2028 nationally.
Barbering may well be one of the oldest professions in the field of cosmetology. Throughout history, men have wanted their own place to get their hair done and take a little break from the ladies of their lives.
Barbering is coming back in a big way, so if you ever wondered what it would be like to work in this field, keep reading to learn more about barbering programs in West Virginia.
State License Requirements
1,500 Education Hours
Required to earn a barbering license
Education Details
To be a skilled barber, you must know how to use all the tools of the trade. This includes scissors, razors, electric shavers, and other tools. Throughout your education, you may learn how to use these tools to achieve different hairstyles and facial hair styles. Hair and facial hair are the two most important part of being a barber. Every man has his own preferences, and you must be able to accommodate them if you wish to keep clients. To help you with this, barbering programs offer plenty of hands-on experience.
License Renewal
1 Year
License renewal period
4 Hours
Continuing education required
In West Virginia, you will need to renew your barber license every year by January 1st. The renewal fee is $35, and comes with an additional requirement for 4 hours of continuing education courses. At the same time, you will need to renew your state booth rental certificate, which will cost you $15. For the continuing education requirements, you can choose form a large list of courses that you can find here. Some of the options include HIV/AIDS, chemical makeup, razor basics, and infection control.
West Virginia Barbering Careers
$21,100
Average yearly salary for barbering in West Virginia
The field of barbering is growing steadily in many parts of the country. The growth rate for this career path is in line with other cosmetology job growth rates. Through the year 2026, CareerOneStop expects to see an 7% increase in barber jobs. When you start your career as a barber, you may earn a base hourly salary plus tips. Because of this, your salary may fluctuate depending on how many clients you bring in. Overall, the average salary for a barber is $21,100 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020).
Much of your work as a barber involves working with your regular clients. Barber shop clients tend to be fairly set in their ways, so if you impress them, then they will likely come back to you when they need a trim or shave. That is why it is so important to listen to your customers and over deliver during every appointment. It is also important to build a relationship with your customers. When a customer sits down, you should know him well enough to ask about his work, his family, and anything else going on in his life.
Contact the West Virginia State Board of Barbering
West Virginia State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
For those in West Virginia who want a career that is dynamic and different, being a barber has proven to be advantageous. Along those lines, there are dedicated resources available for those looking to be well-versed in professional grooming.
