📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary in Virginia (2026)

Virginia · 10.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$40,535
per year
Median
$36,113
per year
Hourly
$19.49
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$26,899
25th Percentile — Junior$35,362
50th Percentile — Median$36,113
75th Percentile — Senior$54,405
90th Percentile — Top Earners$61,732
💡 Top-earning Hairdresser and Cosmetologists in Virginia make up to $61,732 per year. The job market in Virginia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Technology, Defense.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$35.8k
2021
$36.7k
2022
$37.6k
2023
$38.6k
2024
$39.5k
2025
$40.5k
2026
📈 Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries in Virginia have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary by City in Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Virginia Beach $42,562 +5.0% Medium
Richmond $41,346 +2.0% Medium
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Job Market in Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Hairdresser and Cosmetologists. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $40,535 per year, Virginia's Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Virginia (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Virginia can expect to earn $26,899–$35,362, while experienced Hairdresser and Cosmetologists can command $54,405–$61,732.

Looking ahead, the Hairdresser and Cosmetologist profession in Virginia is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salary in Virginia is $40,535 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $36,850.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Hairdresser and Cosmetologist employment.
  • At $40,535/year, Virginia Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $36,850/year.