Human ServicesWest Virginia

Cosmetology in West Virginia

See How It Works

West Virginia's Cosmetology pathway develops skills for careers in hair, skin, and nail services. Personal appearance services are always in demand and support entrepreneurship.

Students learn hair styling, coloring, cutting, skincare, and nail services. Hands-on training includes working with clients in school salons and professional settings.

Graduates become licensed cosmetologists, starting in salons or establishing their own businesses. Specializations in cutting, coloring, extensions, or spa services create advanced opportunities.

Cosmetology at a Glance

4

Courses

6

Credentials

4

Career Paths

State Standards & Framework

West Virginia's cosmetology standards align with state licensure requirements. The framework covers hair services, skincare, nail services, and salon operations.

Curriculum includes hair cutting and styling, hair coloring, skincare, nail services, and salon management. Assessment includes written state licensing exam and practical demonstrations on clients.

View West Virginia CTE Framework →

Typical Course Sequence

Course
Cosmetology Fundamentals
Hair Cutting, Styling, and Coloring
Skincare and Nail Services
Salon Operations and Entrepreneurship

View West Virginia course standards →

Industry Certifications & Credentials

Career Opportunities

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.

Cosmetology Assistant

Entry Level
$27,390in West Virginia
National: $29,060-6%

Salary range: $27,390 - $46,330

Adjusted for cost of living: $30,511

+3% growth0 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Licensed Cosmetologist

Entry Level
$27,390in West Virginia
National: $29,060-6%

Salary range: $27,390 - $46,330

Adjusted for cost of living: $30,511

+3% growth0 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Salon Manager

Experienced
$31,150in West Virginia
National: $35,250-12%

Salary range: $27,390 - $46,330

Adjusted for cost of living: $34,700

+3% growth0 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Salon Owner

Experienced
$31,150in West Virginia
National: $35,250-12%

Salary range: $27,390 - $46,330

Adjusted for cost of living: $34,700

+3% growth0 openings/yr
Search jobs on Indeed →

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students work at salons, spas, and hair services throughout West Virginia, gaining client experience in realistic settings.

Career & Technical Student Organization

Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.

How Sage Helps West Virginia CTE Programs

AI-Powered Curriculum

Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months

West Virginia Standards Built In

Pre-loaded with West Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks

Teacher Customization

Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment

Ongoing Updates

Curriculum stays current as West Virginia standards and industry needs evolve

Related Pathways in West Virginia

Personal Care Services

West Virginia's Personal Care Services pathway prepares students for careers supporting older adults and individuals with disabilities. Growing elder population and disability services create expanding opportunities. Students learn personal care techniques, client communication, health and safety, and professional support practices. Practical experience includes providing care under professional supervision. Graduates work as home health aides, personal care attendants, or residential care workers. Some continue to nursing or social work education. Career advancement to supervisory roles is possible.

Human Services

Pet Grooming

West Virginia's Pet Grooming pathway trains students for careers in professional pet care and grooming services. The pet industry continues to grow, with increasing demand for skilled groomers. Students learn grooming techniques, pet anatomy, health and safety practices, and customer service. Hands-on experience includes working with dogs, cats, and other pets in controlled grooming environments. Graduates work as professional pet groomers, grooming salon managers, or start their own grooming businesses. Some work at veterinary clinics or pet boarding facilities. Business skills support entrepreneurship.

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Therapeutic Services

West Virginia's Therapeutic Services pathway provides specialized preparation for careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, sports medicine, and rehabilitation services. This specialized healthcare program focuses on therapeutic interventions helping patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve functional abilities and quality of life. With West Virginia's aging population, high rates of chronic health conditions, and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, therapeutic professionals are critically needed throughout the Mountain State. The pathway provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, rehabilitation principles, and therapeutic equipment. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, assistive technologies, and evidence-based interventions used in rehabilitation settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional ethics essential for effective therapeutic services. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory simulations, clinical observations, and partnerships with West Virginia rehabilitation facilities. West Virginia's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for entry-level positions as therapy aides or rehabilitation technicians, creating pathways to advanced therapeutic careers through postsecondary education. Strong partnerships with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and sports medicine clinics throughout West Virginia provide clinical learning experiences and employment opportunities. Graduates are well-prepared for continuation to physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, or other therapeutic degree programs at West Virginia colleges while addressing the state's therapeutic services workforce needs.

Health Science

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