License Requirements in Virginia
Browse all 79 trade and professional licenses in Virginia (VA). 72 require a state-level license.
Last updated 2026-05-08
By the numbers: 72 of 79 trades require a state-level license from a Virginia Department, Board, or licensing Authority. Renewal periods, Continuing Education Hours, and Application Fees vary by trade — see each trade page for the specifics.
| Trade | License Required | Median Salary |
|---|
| 🚨Alarm Installer |
Required |
$49,847 |
| 📏Architect |
Required |
$95,176 |
| ⚠️Asbestos Abatement Worker |
Required |
$49,031 |
| 🔨Auctioneer |
Required |
$36,546 |
| 🔗Bail Bondsman |
Required |
$43,186 |
| 💈Barber |
Required |
$35,670 |
| ♨️Boiler Operator |
Required |
$63,444 |
| 🚛CDL Driver |
Required |
$52,890 |
| 📊CPA |
Required |
$82,340 |
| 🏠Chimney Sweep |
Not Required |
$43,533 |
| ✈️Commercial Pilot |
Required |
$137,322 |
| ✂️Cosmetologist |
Required |
$33,670 |
| ⚖️Court Reporter |
Required |
$64,831 |
| 🏗️Crane Operator |
Not Required |
$61,516 |
| 💥Demolition Contractor |
Required |
$63,648 |
| 🦷Dental Hygienist |
Required |
$78,670 |
| 🚰Drinking Water Operator |
Required |
$54,488 |
| 🚑EMT / Paramedic |
Required |
$41,707 |
| ⚡Electrician |
Required |
$56,340 |
| 🛗Elevator Mechanic |
Required |
$104,468 |
| 🌍Environmental Scientist |
Not Required |
$80,559 |
| 🧴Esthetician |
Required |
$39,596 |
| 🧯Fire Sprinkler Fitter |
Required |
$65,137 |
| ⚱️Funeral Director |
Required |
$66,789 |
| 🏗️General Contractor |
Required |
$72,340 |
| 🪨Geologist |
Required |
$86,312 |
| 🪟Glazier |
Not Required |
$49,296 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician |
Required |
$51,670 |
| 👂Hearing Aid Specialist |
Required |
$59,843 |
| 🔍Home Inspector |
Required |
$58,340 |
| 🧱Insulation Worker |
Not Required |
$50,133 |
| 📋Insurance Agent |
Required |
$62,340 |
| 🗣️Interpreter |
Required |
$58,231 |
| 🗺️Land Surveyor |
Required |
$69,941 |
| 🌿Landscape Contractor |
Required |
$56,936 |
| 🛡️Lead Abatement Worker |
Required |
$47,134 |
| 💉Licensed Practical Nurse |
Required |
$60,924 |
| 🔐Locksmith |
Required |
$46,420 |
| 💆Massage Therapist |
Required |
$50,857 |
| 🦠Mold Remediation |
Required |
$47,440 |
| 🏦Mortgage Loan Originator |
Required |
$69,829 |
| 💅Nail Technician |
Required |
$34,578 |
| 📜Notary Public |
Required |
— |
| 👓Optician |
Required |
$45,135 |
| 🐛Pest Control Operator |
Required |
$40,120 |
| 🧪Pesticide Applicator |
Required |
$40,963 |
| 💊Pharmacy Technician |
Required |
$41,106 |
| 🏃Physical Therapy Assistant |
Required |
$65,361 |
| 🔩Pipefitter |
Required |
$64,423 |
| 🔧Plumber |
Required |
$55,120 |
| 📊Polygraph Examiner |
Required |
$69,482 |
| 🏊Pool Contractor |
Required |
$59,506 |
| 🕵️Private Investigator |
Required |
$60,333 |
| 📨Process Server |
Not Required |
$39,443 |
| ⚙️Professional Engineer |
Required |
$102,652 |
| 📡Radiologic Technologist |
Required |
$74,878 |
| ☢️Radon Mitigation |
Required |
$51,122 |
| 🏠Real Estate Agent |
Required |
$56,340 |
| 📐Real Estate Appraiser |
Required |
$62,566 |
| 🩺Registered Nurse |
Required |
$76,340 |
| 🫁Respiratory Therapist |
Required |
$79,519 |
| 🏘️Roofing Contractor |
Required |
$46,670 |
| 🚌School Bus Driver |
Required |
$41,544 |
| 🎓School Counselor |
Required |
$62,944 |
| 🛡️Security Guard |
Required |
$36,291 |
| 🚽Septic System Installer |
Required |
$49,898 |
| 🔨Sheet Metal Worker |
Required |
$60,098 |
| 🔎Skip Tracer |
Required |
$43,411 |
| 🤝Social Worker |
Required |
$59,547 |
| ☀️Solar Installer |
Required |
$48,623 |
| 💪Substance Abuse Counselor |
Required |
$54,784 |
| 🎨Tattoo Artist |
Required |
$43,635 |
| 📚Teacher |
Required |
$67,724 |
| 🚗Tow Truck Operator |
Required |
$39,188 |
| 🐾Veterinary Technician |
Required |
$44,614 |
| 🏭Wastewater Operator |
Required |
$54,488 |
| 🚰Water Treatment Operator |
Required |
$54,488 |
| 🔥Welder |
Not Required |
$48,670 |
| 💧Well Driller |
Required |
$53,488 |
Common questions about Virginia licensing
Which trades require a state-level license in Virginia?
72 of the 79 trades on this page require a Virginia state license. The remainder are licensed at the local/county level or not at all.
Who issues professional licenses in Virginia?
Most occupational licenses in Virginia are issued by the relevant state Department or licensing Board listed on each individual trade page. Renewal periods are typically 1–3 years and most boards require Continuing Education Hours between renewals.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Virginia?
Reciprocity varies by trade. Virginia accepts some out-of-state licenses by endorsement after Experience and Exam verification — check the trade-specific page for the exact policy.
Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with the relevant Virginia licensing board.