Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Trades
Crane Operator Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in West Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
CONTRACTOR LICENSING BOARD
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$54,650 median (18% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to CONTRACTOR LICENSING BOARD and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $54,650, Crane Operators in West Virginia earn 18% below the national median of $66,370. West Virginia ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,167Median annual salary
$54,650Hourly estimate
$26.2718% below national median
Difference: -$11,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCrane Operator Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Crane Operator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Nevada | $129,930 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $115,870 |
| #3 | Oregon | $110,280 |
| #4 | New York | $110,000 |
| #5 | Washington | $96,870 |
Nearby States Comparison
Crane Operator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $54,650 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $57,760 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $66,800 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $65,400 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $55,100 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $62,460 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
CONTRACTOR LICENSING BOARD
See official licensing board website
Phone: 3043809423
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $46,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $36,320 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $47,320 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $57,240 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Crane Operator 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 exams are required for Crane Operators in West Virginia?
West Virginia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Crane Operators.
What education do you need to become a Crane Operator in West Virginia?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Crane Operator licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical Crane Operator salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Crane Operators in West Virginia is $54,650. Salaries range from $35,500 (10th percentile) to $93,050 (90th percentile).
How does the Crane Operator salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
Crane Operators in West Virginia earn 18% below the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $54,650.
How many Crane Operators work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 200 Crane Operators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to West Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Crane Operators in West Virginia?
The licensing agency is CONTRACTOR LICENSING BOARD. Review agency details at https://labor.wv.gov/.
How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.