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.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Cosmetology Fundamentals |
| Hair Cutting, Styling, and Coloring |
| Skincare and Nail Services |
| Salon Operations and Entrepreneurship |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Child Development Associate (CDA)
- ✓Early Childhood Professional Certificate
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED - Adult, Child, and Infant
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓NOCTI Early Childhood Education
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
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 LevelSalary range: $27,390 - $46,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $30,511
Licensed Cosmetologist
Entry LevelSalary range: $27,390 - $46,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $30,511
Salon Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $27,390 - $46,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $34,700
Salon Owner
ExperiencedSalary range: $27,390 - $46,330
Adjusted for cost of living: $34,700
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 ServicesPet 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 ResourcesTherapeutic 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.
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