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If you’re the kind of person who can fix just about anything or at least wants to learn, being a maintenance technician in West Virginia can be a solid career move.
These jobs are everywhere, from factories to hospitals to schools, and the work is steady.
Not only does West Virginia have an expansive maintenance technician job landscape, but it also offers great educational options to get started in your career.
Here’s how to break in, get trained, and build a career designed for higher pay and promotions.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in West Virginia
Most steps to becoming a maintenance technician are the same nationwide, but let’s walk through some of the specifics that really matter in West Virginia:
- Earn a high school diploma or GED. Most jobs as a maintenance technician, even entry-level, will require a minimum of a high school education. At the same time, some vocational schools let high school students earn college credits during their senior year. Choose electives that help you learn how to use tools, with a strong focus on STEM courses, too. As a bonus, those attending college during high school also get a lower tuition rate at most colleges.
- Enroll in a vocational school or community college. While a four-year degree isn’t required for maintenance technician jobs in West Virginia, having an associate’s degree or specialized training beyond high school will help you out in a competitive job market.
- Choose a career path. Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider whether you want to focus on niche maintenance technician topics, like industrial work, HVAC, plumbing, or power. Earn as many certifications as possible.
- Look for apprenticeships or on-the-job training. These positions might run in tandem with your education, or could be great for summer and part-time positions. Given how much a maintenance technician spends the first few years learning from more experienced workers, you’ll appreciate any experience you can get.
- Review job postings. Once you know what path you’re on, use LinkedIn or job boards to find positions that would be ideal. Note what requirements, certifications, tools, and experience are needed so you don’t get caught off guard when you’re ready to apply.
- Apply for jobs. Using your references, research skills, or social connections, start to apply for positions that match your experience and interests.
- Get involved with the industry and lawmaker communication chains. Keep an eye on the West Virginia Division of Labor website and sign up for their email updates. You can also follow trade groups or unions in your field, since they often share changes to licensing, certifications, or safety laws.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in West Virginia
West Virginia doesn’t have a blanket license for maintenance technicians, so if you’re fixing machines, swapping belts, or handling general repairs, you’re in the clear.
The exception is HVAC work.
To legally service heating or cooling systems, you’ll need at least 2,000 hours of related experience or training, pass the state exam, and renew your license every year.
You can work as a “technician in training” before hitting that 2,000-hour mark, but you must be supervised by someone licensed.
Other trades, like plumbing or electrical, have their own rules, so check those if your job dips into those areas.
Maintenance Technician Programs in West Virginia
While you should expect to get a lower rate for higher education if you’re a West Virginia resident, it might help to know that most Ohio and Pennsylvania residents can get in-state tuition, too.
Check with each school to verify if that’s the case, and look for other neighboring states that might be included in the benefit.
West Virginia Northern Community College – Wheeling Campus
West Virginia Northern Community College offers an Industrial Maintenance Technology Certificate in Applied Science (C.A.S.), designed to provide technical skills for entry-level maintenance personnel in various industries.
The program runs for one year.
Looking for specialty training?
Certificate programs are also available for air conditioning, energy technology, welding, and compressor mechanics.
Two-year degrees can be earned in applied technology, HVAC, and Energy Technology.
No matter which path you choose at West Virginia Northern Community College, expect tuition to run anywhere from $170 per credit hour to $365 per credit hour.
Mountwest Community & Technical College
Mountwest, in partnership with Marshall University, offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology program leading to degrees and FAA certifications for airframe and powerplant (A&P).
The college also features a wide array of technical programs relevant to aspiring maintenance technicians.
You might want to check out the Systems Maintenance, Automation, or Robotics Technology program (SMART), which can run for one year or two.
Expect tuition to run about $205 per credit hour.
Not sure if going for a degree is the right thing?
Consider the nine-week apprenticeship training program.
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Eastern offers accessible, affordable technical education, supporting students pursuing maintenance roles across industries.
To explore the options, look under the sections for:
- Automotive Technology
- Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Wind Energy Technology
Estimated tuition as of 2025 is between $4,500 and $7,800 per year.
Out-of-state residents pay the highest.
Southern WV Community & Technical College
Southern WV Community & Technical College is recognized for technical and mechanical training, including programs that prepare students for careers in maintenance and repair.
You can choose from two-year degrees or certificate programs.
Tuition averages between $4,700 and $7,500 a year.
With any of these options, always check the program fees, supply fees, and other expenses.
It can add up quickly.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| West Virginia Northern Community College Wheeling Campus | 1704 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003, United States |
| Mountwest Community & Technical College | 1 Mountwest Wy, Huntington, WV 25701, United States |
| Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College | 316 Eastern Dr, Moorefield, WV 26836, USA |
| Southern WV Community & Technical College | 100 College Dr, Logan, WV 25601, United States |
Salary
The average salary for a maintenance technician in West Virginia is around $55,000 annually.
On the low end, expect about $45,000 a year.
The highest range for a maintenance tech in West Virginia is $66,000.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $41,603 |
| Huntington | $46,691 |
| Morgantown | $43,710 |
| Parkersburg | $45,683 |
| Weirton | $41,306 |
| Wheeling | $42,013 |
| Martinsburg | $67,855 |
| Fairmont | $39,039 |
| Beckley | $44,594 |
| Clarksburg | $45,483 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 660 | $39,500 | $18.99 | $59,090 | $24,300 |
| Charleston, WV | 1,180 | $44,920 | $21.60 | $64,440 | $28,800 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 1,410 | $43,540 | $20.93 | $65,270 | $26,830 |
| Morgantown, WV | 840 | $42,420 | $20.40 | $60,010 | $28,350 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 310 | $40,650 | $19.55 | $56,910 | $24,660 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 470 | $46,110 | $22.17 | $68,650 | $26,650 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 910 | $50,710 | $24.38 | $78,710 | $28,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What industries hire maintenance technicians in West Virginia?
You’ll find openings in manufacturing plants, hospitals, schools, energy companies, aviation, and even large retail or distribution centers.
Many roles are with employers that operate year-round, so the work stays steady regardless of the season.
Is the work schedule for maintenance technicians predictable?
Not always.
Most positions follow a set shift, but you may be on call for emergencies, especially in facilities that run 24/7.
Overtime is common during breakdowns or seasonal maintenance periods.
In West Virginia, shift work is especially common in manufacturing, energy, and healthcare settings, so flexibility can be a big advantage.
What training should I pursue beyond the typical degree or certificate program in West Virginia?
Look into industry-specific certifications like OSHA safety training, welding, hydraulics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or automation systems.
Short courses in HVAC, electrical troubleshooting, or precision machining can also boost your skill set.
Many employers in West Virginia value cross-training, so learning skills outside your main specialty can lead to better pay and more job options.
What skills make a maintenance technician more competitive?
Beyond mechanical know-how, employers value problem-solving, reading blueprints, basic computer skills, and safety knowledge.
Certifications in welding, electrical systems, or automation can help you stand out and earn higher pay.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technician by State