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


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

Best Esthetician School in West Virginia

Top Esthetician Schools in WV: 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 West 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 West Virginia?

In comparison, estheticians in West Virginia earn an average of $15.59 per hour. (Or $32,430 per year.)

But let’s look at even more promising statistics:

  • First, estheticians in West Virginia making in the top 75% earn an average salary of $36,860.
  • Also, those in the top 90th percentile make an average of $69,150 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 West 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:
West Virginia’s Profile


In order to become a licensed esthetician in West 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 West Virginia State:

Cosmetologist Esthetician License Requirement: 1,800 hours
Barber License: 1,200 hours
Nail Technician License: 400 hours

Esthetician License Cost in West Virginia

First, you’ll pay a registration $99 testing fee. Then, you’ll pay $35 for your license.

Esthetician License Renewal in West Virginia

After getting your esthetician license, you’ll need to renew it every year. January is the deadline, and the fee is $35.

Throughout every renewal period, estheticians must complete 4 hours of continuing education.

Cosmetology Esthetician Transferal to West Virginia (Reciprocity)

In order to transfer your esthetician license to West Virginia, you must have your licensing state’s Board of Cosmetology send proof of training and license directly to the West Virginia Board of Cosmetology.

If your transfer is from one of the following states, the transfer will be much smoother and faster:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Maine
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • Nevada
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Utah Wyoming

Also, the West Virginia Board will accept work in place of training hours. In order to contact the West Virginia Board of Cosmetology, use the contact info below.

West Virginia State Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists
1201 Dunbar Ave.
Dunbar, WV 25064
Email:  [email protected]
Fax: 304-558-3450
Phone:304-558-2924

West Virginia Esthetician State Board Exam Questions
& Practice Guides


Best Esthetician Schools in West Virginia

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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 West 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!

Online Esthetician School
Can I get an esthetician license online in West 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.

Notably, West Virginia is one of those states that does not allow you to go to esthetician school online.

Top Esthetician Schools in West 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 West 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. You’ll cover waxing, threading, tweezing, and also all the 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. Also, 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 West Virginia, another topic you will study is 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 West 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 West Virginia


In order to learn more about the top esthetician schools in West Virginia, check out the FAQs below.

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.

In contrast, 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?

Many students wonder how to become a medical esthetician in West Virginia, because this is a higher paying specialty.

In reality, 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 West Virginia:
Your Turn!

After reading about the Top Esthetician Schools in West 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!

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List of Trade Schools in West Virginia
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Top Beauty Schools in West Virginia

Sources:

Esthetics Licensing in West Virginia
West Virginia Board of Cosmetology
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