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Verified by WV Board of Public Safety

Corrections Officer Licensing in West Virginia

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for corrections officer in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Corrections Officer in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    DENTAL EXAMINERS

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,990 median (14% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Corrections Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to DENTAL EXAMINERS and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $49,990, Corrections Officers in West Virginia earn 14% below the national median of $57,970. West Virginia ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$49,990

Hourly estimate

$24.03
14% below national median

Difference: -$7,980

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$39,990
  • P2525th percentile$47,990
  • P50Median$49,990
  • P7575th percentile$63,340
  • P9090th percentile$81,430

State vs National Median

State: $49,990
National: $57,970

Total employment: 2,640 | Annual openings: N/A

Corrections Officer Salary Ranking

#33 of 50 statesfor Corrections Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$95,840
#2New Jersey$90,150
#3Oregon$83,120
#4Massachusetts$78,830
#5Illinois$78,750

Nearby States Comparison

Corrections Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$49,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Pennsylvania$63,540Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Maryland$62,380Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$49,980Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$40,230Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$58,840Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
West Virginia78HighBoard-specific review required.
Pennsylvania78HighBoard-specific review required.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

DENTAL EXAMINERS

See official licensing board website

Phone: 8779148266

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Firefighter$41,500Degree required18 years
Police Officer$54,570Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$37,220No educational requirementsVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Corrections Officer in West Virginia?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Corrections Officer salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Corrections Officers in West Virginia is $49,990. Salaries range from $39,990 (10th percentile) to $81,430 (90th percentile).

How does the Corrections Officer salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?

Corrections Officers in West Virginia earn 14% below the national median of $57,970, with a state median of $49,990.

How many Corrections Officers work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 2,640 Corrections Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Corrections Officer license to West Virginia from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Corrections Officers in West Virginia?

The licensing agency is DENTAL EXAMINERS. Review agency details at http://www.wvdentalboard.org/.

How often do you renew a Corrections Officer license in West Virginia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.