Plumbing Schools in West Virginia

Plumbers in West Virginia improve the quality of life for numerous individuals and communities all over the state. They contribute to sustainable water management and solving complex plumbing issues, making day-to-day living much more convenient.

The beauty is that anyone can become a plumber in West Virginia. The path is straightforward, and the educational requirements are minimal relative to other professions.

If you want to consider a career in the field, this page is the right place to start. Below you’ll find all the critical information you need to get started, such as the different educational requirements and alternatives, the best training programs to consider, and the potential salary to look forward to, among others.

How to Become a Plumber in West Virginia

Step 1: High School Diploma or GED

Apart from being required to enroll in training programs and apprenticeships, a high school diploma or GED prepares future plumbers for the challenges they’ll face.

Subjects such as mathematics, science, and computer science are all useful during a plumbing career.

Step 2: Training Programs

Training programs for plumbers can be divided into three broad categories - trade school/college programs, apprenticeship programs, and fast-tracked programs.

Trade Schools

Even though no law mandates a university education, many plumbers in West Virginia usually consider obtaining one anyway to have a solid theoretical foundation to build their careers upon.

They also get to graduate with a certificate or associate degree that gives them an edge when it’s time to apply for jobs.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship programs provide immediate real-world experience and mentorship for interested candidates. It is also possible for an apprenticeship program to incorporate some classroom training in addition to its hands-on sessions.

Fast-Tracked Plumbing Course

Fast-tracked plumbing programs take between 8 to 10 weeks to complete. For this reason, they are usually an attractive alternative for aspiring plumbers looking to get started as fast as possible.

Step 3: Work Experience

To start working and obtain a license, work experience is an essential factor. Vocational and college programs typically find a way to incorporate this aspect into their coursework. In contrast, apprenticeship programs last a couple of years, during which real-world experience is the main objective.

Those who attend a fast-tracked program may fulfill this requirement by working as a plumber’s assistant.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

West Virginia plumbers must be licensed before they can perform plumbing work. The available licensing categories include apprentice, journeyman, master, and contractor.

Candidates start as apprentices through the “Plumber in Training” license by being at least 18 years old and working under the supervision of a licensed plumber. They tend to become “Journeyman Plumbers” by completing the training program and passing the written licensing exam with a score of at least 70%.

Master plumbers have acquired more than a year of experience as Journeyman Plumbers. Lastly, master plumbers can become Plumbing Contractors by applying for a Contractor License from the West Virginia Division of Labor.

Learn about plumber licensing and certification in neighboring states:

• Plumber Certification in Ohio

Top Plumbing Schools in West Virginia

Explore Plumbing Schools by City:

• Plumbing Schools in Charleston

Salary and Job Outlook

Plumbers in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $47,637. Those in the top 10% of earners take home $72,080 annually, while those in the bottom 10% take home $31,483 annually.

Location is one of the most critical factors determining how much a plumber earns in West Virginia. For instance, plumbers in Martinsburg earn the highest annual average at $56,512, while those in Harpers Ferry and Wheeling follow with $55,050 and $52,257, respectively.

Plumbers in Charleston earn an annual average salary of $46,700.