Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Trades
Welder Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in West Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Welder in West Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety & Training
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,000 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for Welder licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety & Training and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $47,000, Welders in West Virginia earn 8% below the national median of $51,000. West Virginia ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,167Median annual salary
$47,000Hourly estimate
$22.608% below national median
Difference: -$4,000
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWelder Salary Ranking
#50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $47,000 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $50,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $56,420 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $57,350 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $49,260 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $49,410 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- 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
Official website verified
West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety & Training
See official licensing board website
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $46,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $36,320 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $47,320 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $57,240 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Welder 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 Welders in West Virginia?
West Virginia lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Welders.
What education do you need to become a Welder in West Virginia?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Welder licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical Welder salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Welders in West Virginia is $47,000. Salaries range from $35,480 (10th percentile) to $91,020 (90th percentile).
How does the Welder salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
Welders in West Virginia earn 8% below the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $47,000.
How many Welders work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 2,280 Welders according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Welder 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 Welders in West Virginia?
The licensing agency is West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety & Training. Review agency details at https://minesafety.wv.gov/permit-applications-obtaining-certifications/.
How often do you renew a Welder license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.