The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in Virginia


If you have questions about esthetics licensing in Virginia, this is where you’ll find your answers. In addition to helping you find the top esthetician schools in Virginia near you, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions for how to become an esthetician in Virginia, info about becoming a Paramedical Esthetician, licensing costs and fees, and more!

Top Esthetician Schools in Virginia

Top Esthetician Schools in VA: Table of Contents

Esthetician Career & Salary Info

In this section, we’ll look at how much estheticians make in the United States. Then, we’ll compare that to the average earnings of estheticians in Virginia. You’ll also find a list of popular industries worth your consideration.

How Much Do Estheticians Make On Average in the United States?

  • On average, Skin Care Specialists in the United States make $16.89 per hour. In other words, the average salary for estheticians is $35,130.
  • In order to earn more, considering being a Paramedical Esthetician. Because this specialty makes an average hourly wage of $18.14.

How Much Do Estheticians Make in Virginia?

In comparison, estheticians in Virginia earn an average of $18.46 per hour. (Or $38,390 per year.)

But let’s look at even more promising statistics:

  • First, estheticians in Virginia making in the top 75% earn an average salary of $53,260.
  • Also, those in the top 90th percentile make an average of $78,800 per year.

In Which States do Estheticians Make the Most Money?

Altogether, there are 5 top-performing states in terms of average esthetician salary. First, check out how much estheticians make in Oregon, Wyoming, and Colorado. You’ll also be impressed with Minnesota and Hawaii’s numbers!

What are popular industries for estheticians in Virginia?

Even though it’s just one esthetician license, there are multiple places to use it. For example, the most common industries for skin care estheticians are:

  • Skin Care Product & Health Stores
  • Personal Care Services
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Medical Offices

(Source: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics for Skincare Specialists, as of May 2017)

Esthetician License Requirements by State:
Virginia’s Profile


In order to become a licensed esthetician in Virginia, you need to earn 600 hours at an accredited esthetician school.

In order to have a point of reference, let’s look at similar careers and their requirements in Virginia:

Cosmetologist Esthetician License Requirement: 1,500 hours or 3,000 hours as an apprentice
Barber License: 1,500 hours or 3,000 hours as an apprentice
Nail Technician License: 150 hours or 2,000 hours apprenticeship

Esthetician License Cost in Virginia

First, you’ll pay a registration $105 application fee. Additionally, the theory and practical test costs combined are $175.

Esthetician License Renewal in Virginia

After getting your esthetician license, you’ll need to renew it it every two years. The due date is the last day of the month in which you first received your license. (And the cost is $105)

At this time, Virginia doesn’t have any continuing ed requirements for estheticians during the renewal periods.

Cosmetology Esthetician Transferal to Virginia (Reciprocity)

In the event that you want to transfer your license to Virginia, the Virginia State Board does allow endorsement. However, you must have completed a minimum of 80% of Virginia’s esthetician licensing requirements in your home stae.

In order to contact the Virginia Board of Cosmetology, use the contact info below.

Virginia Board for Barbers & Cosmetology
Perimeter Center, Suite 400
9960 Maryland Drive
Richmond, VA 23233
Email:  barbercosmo@dpor.virginia.gov
Fax:866-245-9693
Phone:804-367-8509

Virginia Esthetician State Board Exam Questions
& Practice Guides


Best Esthetician Schools in Virginia

CHECK PRICE

Above all, we recommend the Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals. It’s available as an eTextbook, as a Hardcover, as a Spiral Bound, and also used. And there’s no wonder this is so popular for Esthetician state board exam questions practice! This 11th edition of the trusted Milady brand is up-to-date on all core esthetician concepts, and it’s a great review for anyone about to take an Esthetician State Board Exam.

See 68+ Verified Owner Reviews>>

In order to find a list of links to Esthetician State Board Exam questions and practice tests, see our list of Esthetician State Board Exam and Practice Guides.


How to Find the Best Esthetician Schools in Virginia

Now is the time to say goodbye to endless Google searches resulting in confusing results. In other words, this search bar eliminates the need to put “esthetician classes near me” into your search engine only to come up with disorganized results.

Instead, enter your info into the safe search system below. Simply enter your preferences, and a list of the best esthetician schools near you will be available!

The 3 Top Esthetician Schools in VA

In this section, we’ll showcase three of the best esthetician schools in Virginia. Although there are many other great options, these are three great starting points!

The Esthetics Institute in Vienna, VA

If you want to become a medical esthetician, then this is an excellent school for you!

The Esthetics Institute in Vienna, VA is a great medical esthetician school with a Master Esthetics Program. The program is 600 hours, and you can choose to go full-time or part-time.

In this esthetician program, you’ll learn advanced techniques such as chemical exfoliation and microdermabrasion. Once they graduate, students are prepared for jobs in medical spas, doctor’s offices, and also as independent skin care consultants.

How much is esthetician school?

Visit the Esthetics Institute’s Financial Aid & Federal Assistance page to learn about financing your education.

Online Esthetician School
Can I get an esthetician license online in Virginia?


While many states don’t allow you to get your license online, some do allow you to take a certain percentage of your coursework online. Furthermore, some place no restrictions! In order to learn more, see The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Aesthetics License Online.

Virginia is one of those few states that allows you to attend portions of esthetician school online! (Although this is permitted for only a small percentage of theory classes.)

Top Esthetician Schools in Virginia

Esthetician Training Near Me: 
What will I learn in Esthetician School?


Even though there are lots of top esthetician schools in the US, they cover a wide variety of topics. Even so, all acreddited esthetician schools cover the same core topics:

  • Esthetician State Board Exam Questions & Prep
  • Hair Removal
  • Facials
  • How to Be a Makeup Artist
  • Body Treatments
  • Skin Analysis
  • Human Anatomy
  • Business Skills & Ethics

For more details, read the short class descriptions below.

Esthetician State Board Exam Questions & Prep

First, the top esthetician schools in Virginia really want to prepare you to pass the state board exam. After all, that’s the key that allows you to finally get your esthetician license. (After your minimum hours have been met, of course.)

Hair Removal

Another broad topic you’ll cover is hair removal. Whether it’s waxing, threading, or tweezing, you’ll cover all the latest and most common hair removal methods.

Facials

Another crucial aspect of your esthetician training will be learning to give facials. In addition to learning how to give an incredibly relaxing facial massage, you’ll master the various types of facial techniques.

How to Be a Make Up Artist

In Makeup Artistry classes, you’ll learn how to know when to use what products. Furthermore, you’ll learn the correct makeup techniques used to achieve different looks. You may also learn how to apply permanent makeup.

Body Treatments

Aromatherapy, wraps, and body masks, oh my! At the top esthetician schools in Virginia, the courses you take will teach you how to perform all the different types of body wraps. You’ll also learn the safety and theory behind them.

Skin Analysis

In one word, skin analysis is about safety. And that’s why every treatment you do will begin with understanding your client’s skin type and choosing the correct products to use. You’ll also learn how to catch potentially serious skin problems during skin analysis.

Human Anatomy

Because you’ll be working with the body, it’s important that the top esthetician schools in Virginia educate you on the anatomy of the nails, hair, and skin.

Business Skills & Ethics

Last but not least is business ethics and skills. These classes will prepare you to become a spa manager (if that’s a dream of yours), and they’ll also prepare you for day-to-day life as a professional esthetician.

FAQs for Esthetician Schools in Virginia


Below are three of the most frequently asked questions about top beauty schools in Virginia.

What’s the difference between a cosmetologist and an esthetician? Can you be an esthetician with a cosmetology license?

A cosmetologist works with hair, skin, and nails. Comparatively, an esthetician only works with skin care. Therefore, a licensed cosmetologist can do a lot more than an esthetician.

Comparatively, estheticians don’t usually work as cosmetologists. This makes sense because they just haven’t studied hair and nails.

How do I become a medical esthetician?

Wondering how to become a medical esthetician in Virginia? Well, the reality is that there is no such thing as a Medical (Paramedical) Esthetician License. Instead, this term usually refers to a Master Esthetician License.

Top Esthetician Schools in Virginia:
Your Turn!

After reading about the Top Esthetician Schools in Virginia, how are you feeling? If your heart’s telling you that esthetician school is the right place for you, don’t be afraid to take that next step! Start searching for an esthetician college near you today.

And if you haven’t quite made up your mind? No problem. Check out some of the related articles below, because they’ll help bring you closer to the perfect career for you!

Readers who liked The Top Esthetician Schools in Virginia also loved:
List of Trade Schools in Virginia
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Virginia
Best Cosmetology Schools in Virginia
Top Beauty Schools in Virginia

Sources:

Esthetics Licensing in Virginia
Virginia Board of Cosmetology
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