Plumber Career Guide in West Virginia
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in West Virginia.
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How to Become a Plumber in West Virginia
Plumbers typically complete a registered apprenticeship or acquire equivalent supervised work experience before taking the applicable journeyman examination.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in West Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the West Virginia median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in West Virginia is approximately $1,610 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in West Virginia
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in West Virginia
West Virginia plumbers must obtain a state journeyman or master plumber license before independently performing regulated plumbing work.
- Complete a registered apprenticeship or document equivalent supervised plumbing experience.
- Study plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprint reading, drainage, venting, water distribution, gas piping, and safety.
- Meet the experience requirement for the applicable plumber classification.
- Pass the journeyman or master plumber examination.
- Plumbing contractors must also review state contractor-license, insurance, permit, and local registration requirements.
Plumber Training Providers in West Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Pierpont Community & Technical College | Fairmont | View Program |
| BridgeValley Community & Technical College | South Charleston | View Program |
| Mountwest Community & Technical College | Huntington | View Program |
| Southern West Virginia Community & Technical College | Mount Gay | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in West Virginia
Plumber Licensing Requirements in West Virginia
West Virginia requires plumbers performing regulated work to hold a state journeyman or master plumber license. Plumbing contractors may also need a contractor license and local permits.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in West Virginia
West Virginia projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 1,940 to 2,170 jobs, with about 190 openings annually.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in West Virginia?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in West Virginia is approximately $61,360 per year, or $29.47 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does West Virginia require plumber licensing?
Yes. West Virginia requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing.
How long does it take to become a plumber in West Virginia?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in West Virginia?
West Virginia projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 12% from 2024 to 2034, with about 190 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- West Virginia Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. West Virginia Plumber Wages
- West Virginia Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. West Virginia Plumber Employment Trends
- West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing — Licensing authority. West Virginia Division of Labor — Plumber Licensing