Plumber in West Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WV
How to Become a Plumber in West Virginia
To become a certified Journeyman Plumber in West Virginia, individuals must be at least 18 years old and complete 8,000 hours of plumbing experience. They must pass the Journeyman Plumber Examination, administered by Prov Exams, and submit an application with a $75 fee to the West Virginia Division of Labor. While there are no formal education prerequisites, a high school diploma or GED is generally recommended, and many pursue vocational training or apprenticeships. West Virginia does not have continuing education requirements for plumbers, and certifications must be renewed annually.
Plumber Requirements in West Virginia
| Detail | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | West Virginia Division of Labor |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | No formal education requirements, but a high school diploma or GED is generally recommended. Many pursue vocational training or apprenticeships. |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Journeyman Plumber Examination (administered by Prov Exams) ($60) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Master Plumber requires 12,000 hours of experience. Journeyman Plumber requires 8,000 hours of experience. Plumber-in-Training requires annual renewal for $25. West Virginia does not have continuing education requirements for plumbers. |
Source: West Virginia Division of Labor
License Tiers
West Virginia offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Plumber in Training | N/A |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 10,000 |
Plumber Salary in West Virginia
The median plumber salary in West Virginia is $49,630 per year, which is 21.2% below the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,260 |
| 25th | $42,700 |
| 50th (median) | $49,630 |
| 75th | $68,120 |
| 90th (experienced) | $81,360 |
West Virginia employs approximately 1,860 plumbers.
Plumber Job Outlook
AI Impact on Plumbers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.12/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Plumber in West Virginia Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $200 and a median salary of $49,630 in West Virginia, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: West Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.