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Lawyer Licensing in West Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Lawyer in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: Felony convictions prohibited
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $102,240 median (32% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of 102,240, Lawyers in West Virginia earn 32% below the national median of $151,160. West Virginia ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$102,240

Hourly estimate

$49.15
32% below national median

Difference: -$48,920

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,860
  • P2525th percentile$79,910
  • P50Median$102,240
  • P7575th percentile$136,740
  • P9090th percentile$197,630

State vs National Median

State: $102,240
National: $151,160

Total employment: 2,460 | Annual openings: N/A

Lawyer Salary Ranking

#42 of 50 statesfor Lawyer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California197,790
#2Massachusetts179,050
#3New York177,210
#4Delaware172,710
#5Colorado167,970

Nearby States Comparison

Lawyer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$102,240Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$127,940Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Maryland$143,490Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Virginia$157,980Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$102,670Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Ohio$125,450Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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 Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Kentucky64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review 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

REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3045583555

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$86,530Specific course required6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$74,520Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$88,200Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$77,790Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Lawyers in West Virginia?

West Virginia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Lawyers.

What education do you need to become a Lawyer in West Virginia?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Lawyer licensure in West Virginia.

What is the typical Lawyer salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Lawyers in West Virginia is 102,240. Salaries range from $60,860 (10th percentile) to $197,630 (90th percentile).

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

Lawyers in West Virginia earn 32% below the national median of $151,160, with a state median of 102,240.

How many Lawyers work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 2,460 Lawyers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Lawyer 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 Lawyers in West Virginia?

The licensing agency is REAL ESTATE COMMISSION. Review agency details at http://www.rec.wv.gov/.