Electrician Schools in West Virginia

Not only are electricians in West Virginia thriving in their fields, but they are also expected to continue to enjoy increased demand for their expertise and a higher, more competitive annual average salary in the upcoming decade.

For state residents looking to enter this profession, the article on this page serves as a welcoming guide showcasing all the key steps and considerations they must take to achieve their goals. We begin by highlighting the basic educational requirements before focusing on the types of learning arrangements that candidates may employ to obtain relevant skills in the field.

Readers will also discover the licensing steps, certification options, top training programs, and the annual average salary projections for the field based on a few relevant criteria.

How to Become an Electrician in West Virginia

The following are the requirements to become a successful electrician in West Virginia.

Basic Educational Requirements

A high school diploma is the basic educational requirement for becoming an electrician in West Virginia. Those without a high school diploma may use a GED instead.

Candidates are also expected to be at least 18 when working professionally.

Learning Arrangements

Candidates may employ various learning arrangements to obtain relevant skills in electrical technology, ranging from academic programs to apprenticeship programs and a combination of both.

Academic Programs

Community colleges and vocational institutions offer academic programs for aspiring electricians. These programs allow candidates to familiarize themselves with the fundamental principles of the job in a classroom environment.

It is also possible for some academic programs to incorporate a little bit of hands-on training.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship programs focus on hands-on training, helping candidates immerse themselves in the job as early as possible. They typically also provide classroom training and can sometimes pay candidates even while they are still learning the trade.

Combination Approach

The most popular approach to becoming an electrician combines academic and hands-on training. The state of West Virginia usually requires 8,000 hours of hands-on training and 1,080 hours of classroom training.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a plumber in West Virginia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal in Charleston issues electrical licenses for electricians in the state. Candidates must receive an apprentice license to start learning on the job before earning a journeyman electrician license to start working professionally.

The requirements for a journeyman electrician license include 8,000 hours of experience or 1,080 hours of vocational training at a destination approved by the West Virginia Department of Education.

After showing proof of education, candidates may send an application and pass the 25-question state exam. These steps attract a non-refundable examination fee of $25.

West Virginia also has a Master’s license for candidates with years of experience as journeyman electricians. This license requires passing an examination but has 50 questions instead of 25 for the journeyman level.

Top Electrician Schools in West Virginia

The state of West Virginia has the following training programs for aspiring electricians.

Explore electrician schools in West Virginia by city:

• Electrician schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

In West Virginia, the career outlook for electricians is very bright. As new technology takes over the market, more and more people are expected to upgrade their electrical systems.

This will lead to more electrician demand, sustained growth, and employment of around 7% across the coming decade.

Currently, the highest-paid electricians in the state earn an annual average salary of $131,524, while the lowest-paid electricians in West Virginia still earn an annual average salary of $38,853.

The median earners receive an average annual salary of around $71,485. As one would imagine, several factors are responsible for this disparity, including experience, specialty areas, and specific locations within the state.

Some notable places to work in West Virginia for an electrician with a high annual average salary include Charleston, where electricians make an average annual salary of $73,916, and Morgantown, where they earn an average annual salary of $73,620.

Electricians in Wheeling take home an annual average salary of $66,823.