Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Trades
Plumber Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for plumber in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Plumber in West Virginia
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
CONTRACTOR LICENSING BOARD
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,630 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of 49,630, Plumbers in West Virginia earn 21% below the national median of $62,970. West Virginia ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$49,630Hourly estimate
$23.8621% below national median
Difference: -$13,340
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPlumber Salary Ranking
#50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $49,630 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $66,650 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $63,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $59,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $62,370 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $62,530 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- 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
CONTRACTOR LICENSING BOARD
See official licensing board website
Phone: 3043809423
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $47,320 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Electrician | $63,850 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Elevator Installer | $106,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| HVAC Technician | $46,040 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Plumber 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 Plumbers in West Virginia?
West Virginia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Plumbers.
What education do you need to become a Plumber in West Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Plumber licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical Plumber salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Plumbers in West Virginia is 49,630. Salaries range from $35,260 (10th percentile) to $81,360 (90th percentile).
How does the Plumber salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
Plumbers in West Virginia earn 21% below the national median of $62,970, with a state median of 49,630.
How many Plumbers work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 1,860 Plumbers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Plumber 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 Plumbers in West Virginia?
The licensing agency is CONTRACTOR LICENSING BOARD. Review agency details at https://labor.wv.gov/.