Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Trades
Plumber Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for plumber in 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 Plumber in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Contractors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,560 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Plumber licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Contractors and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $59,560, Plumbers in Virginia earn 5% below the national median of $62,970. Virginia ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$59,560Hourly estimate
$28.635% below national median
Difference: -$3,410
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPlumber Salary Ranking
#37 of 50 statesfor Plumber median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Illinois | $96,200 |
| #2 | Oregon | $93,110 |
| #3 | Minnesota | $83,280 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | Alaska | $83,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Plumber licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $59,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $63,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $49,630 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $62,370 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $57,730 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $50,990 | Varies by state board | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Contractors
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043672785
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,770 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $56,320 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $50,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $69,960 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Plumber in 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 Plumbers in Virginia?
Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Plumbers.
What education do you need to become a Plumber in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Plumber licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Plumber salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Plumbers in Virginia is $59,560. Salaries range from $41,050 (10th percentile) to $76,650 (90th percentile).
How does the Plumber salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Plumbers in Virginia earn 5% below the national median of $62,970, with a state median of $59,560.
How many Plumbers work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 13,190 Plumbers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Plumber license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Plumbers in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Contractors. Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen/.
How often do you renew a Plumber license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.