Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in West Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
DENTAL EXAMINERS
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$76,150 median (29% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to DENTAL EXAMINERS and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $76,150, General Contractors in West Virginia earn 29% below the national median of $106,980. West Virginia ranks #50 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
$76,150Hourly estimate
$36.6129% below national median
Difference: -$30,830
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor General Contractor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts | $147,750 |
| #2 | Washington | $136,180 |
| #3 | Alaska | $135,630 |
| #4 | New York | $135,530 |
| #5 | Delaware | $135,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
General Contractor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $76,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $103,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $128,500 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $107,000 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $99,620 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $96,440 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 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 | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- 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
| 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 General Contractor 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 General Contractors in West Virginia?
West Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for General Contractors.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in West Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for General Contractor licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in West Virginia is $76,150. Salaries range from $53,280 (10th percentile) to $131,330 (90th percentile).
How does the General Contractor salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
General Contractors in West Virginia earn 29% below the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $76,150.
How many General Contractors work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 670 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to West Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for General Contractors in West Virginia?
The licensing agency is DENTAL EXAMINERS. Review agency details at http://www.wvdentalboard.org/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.