Personal Care & Fitness Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Cosmetologist Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median cosmetologist salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$35,782
vs State Avg
$-701
vs National
+$702
Cost of Living
102%

Cosmetologist Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median cosmetologist salary of $35,782, which is $701 below the Virginia state average of $36,483. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Virginia Beach spans from $22,440 at the 10th percentile to $59,160 at the 90th percentile — a $36,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,480, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,100. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,480
+$480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,100
+$1,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $22,440
25th Percentile $27,540
Median (50th) $35,782
75th Percentile $46,920
90th Percentile $59,160

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$46,306
Pop. 238,643
Richmond, VA
$35,080
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$34,378
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$33,677
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Virginia Beach

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Virginia Beach and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Virginia Beach may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,440 (10th percentile) to $59,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,782, a cosmetologist in Virginia Beach earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median cosmetologist salary of $35,782 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $36,483. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $35,782 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Virginia Beach require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.