Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Welder in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification may substitute for license requirements.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The certification program includes experience, training, and examination components similar to many of the states.
- 6
While a state program may focus on the specific blasting applications within its boundary, the OSMRE program requires diverse experience that covers all potential blasting applications and products across the nation.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certificates for blasting on Federal surface coal mine permits
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of the Interior • Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,350 median (12% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Welder licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of the Interior~Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $57,350, Welders in Virginia earn 12% above the national median of $51,000. Virginia ranks #17 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
$57,350Hourly estimate
$27.5712% above national median
Difference: +$6,350
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#17 of 50 statesfor Welder median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $76,970 |
| #2 | Alaska | $75,140 |
| #3 | Wyoming | $66,070 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $64,520 |
| #5 | Washington | $61,730 |
Nearby States Comparison
Welder licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $57,350 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $56,420 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $47,000 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $49,260 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $47,280 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $49,860 | Degree required | 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 | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of the Interior • Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
1027 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, 25301-2816
Phone: 4129372827
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 Welder 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 Welders in Virginia?
Virginia lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Welders.
What education do you need to become a Welder in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Welder licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Welder salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Welders in Virginia is $57,350. Salaries range from $39,660 (10th percentile) to $78,000 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Welders in Virginia earn 12% above the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $57,350.
How many Welders work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 10,690 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Welders in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of the Interior / Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. Review agency details at https://www.osmre.gov/.
How often do you renew a Welder license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.