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Verified by WV Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in West Virginia

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in West Virginia

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSES

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,990 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSES and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in West Virginia

With a median salary of $79,990, Registered Nurses in West Virginia earn 15% below the national median of $93,600. West Virginia ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,167

Median annual salary

$79,990

Hourly estimate

$38.46
15% below national median

Difference: -$13,610

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$53,060
  • P2525th percentile$67,200
  • P50Median$79,990
  • P7575th percentile$91,400
  • P9090th percentile$106,830

State vs National Median

State: $79,990
National: $93,600

Total employment: 21,740 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#38 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
West Virginia$79,990Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$87,610Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$96,830Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Virginia$88,820Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$79,910Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$81,250Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSES

See official licensing board website

Phone: 3047440900

Visit Official WebsiteCall Board

Related Careers in West Virginia

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Degree required18 years
Anesthesiologist$168,390Degree required2-3 months
Athletic Trainer$45,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$87,980Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurses in West Virginia?

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

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

The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in West Virginia.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in West Virginia is $79,990. Salaries range from $53,060 (10th percentile) to $106,830 (90th percentile).

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

Registered Nurses in West Virginia earn 15% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $79,990.

How many Registered Nurses work in West Virginia?

West Virginia employs approximately 21,740 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to West 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 Registered Nurses in West Virginia?

The licensing agency is REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSES. Review agency details at http://www.wvrnboard.wv.gov/.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in West Virginia?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.