West Virginia salaries by occupation
The median worker in West Virginia earned $43,320 a year in 2024, about $20.83 an hour, 12.5% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 504 occupations.
Median pay $43,320 $20.83 per hour
Vs national median -12.5% U.S. $49,500
Workers 701,470 wage and salary
Occupations reported 504 with at least 100 employed
What West Virginia is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | 57.62× | 1,610 | $73,260 |
| Continuous Mining Machine Operators | 12.99× | 850 | $75,700 |
| Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers | 12.01× | 1,200 | $21,180 |
| Wellhead Pumpers | 9.29× | 730 | $48,780 |
| Legislators | 6.21× | 750 | $46,990 |
| Tree Trimmers and Pruners | 6.21× | 1,350 | $47,960 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 5.28× | 540 | $53,840 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 5.13× | 15,590 | $22,800 |
| Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | 5.01× | 780 | $62,930 |
| Psychiatric Aides | 4.21× | 670 | $32,650 |
Metro areas in West Virginia
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 10 West Virginia metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $68,430 | $32.90 | 3,118,630 | #3 |
| Winchester | $47,310 | $22.75 | 68,300 | #174 |
| Morgantown | $46,260 | $22.24 | 66,970 | #211 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | $45,920 | $22.08 | 105,920 | #226 |
| Charleston | $45,170 | $21.71 | 106,820 | #254 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $44,830 | $21.55 | 36,870 | #268 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $42,390 | $20.38 | 140,160 | #321 |
| Wheeling | $41,840 | $20.12 | 58,940 | #332 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | $39,690 | $19.08 | 37,170 | #357 |
| Beckley | $38,460 | $18.49 | 42,810 | #369 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $234,960 | $112.96 | 540 | #1 of 15 |
| Physicians, All Other | $228,680 | $109.94 | 2,300 | #8 of 18 |
| Chief Executives | $181,930 | $87.47 | 1,390 | #14 of 33 |
| Database Architects | $157,590 | $75.77 | 270 | #3 of 41 |
| Dentists, General | $147,440 | $70.88 | 400 | #39 of 46 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $145,430 | $69.92 | 950 | #30 of 49 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $143,800 | $69.14 | 460 | #39 of 49 |
| Purchasing Managers | $140,370 | $67.49 | 190 | #12 of 46 |
| Chemical Engineers | $139,730 | $67.18 | 210 | #2 of 35 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $134,410 | $64.62 | 170 | #23 of 46 |
| Veterinarians | $134,290 | $64.56 | 390 | #5 of 48 |
| Pharmacists | $133,910 | $64.38 | 2,570 | #41 of 51 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 21,740 | $79,990 | $38.46 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 18,730 | $26,560 | $12.77 |
| Retail Salespersons | 18,290 | $27,910 | $13.42 |
| Cashiers | 16,730 | $23,490 | $11.29 |
| General and Operations Managers | 16,070 | $80,490 | $38.70 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 15,590 | $22,800 | $10.96 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 12,580 | $34,060 | $16.38 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 11,560 | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| Office Clerks, General | 10,950 | $34,150 | $16.42 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 10,400 | $35,990 | $17.30 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in West Virginia
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 51
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $98,690
- Power Plant Operators $96,230
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $81,190
- Gas Plant Operators $79,710
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $67,800
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $67,600
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $63,980
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $54,310
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $53,840
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $53,460
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $52,640
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $51,150
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,050
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $49,020
- Machinists $47,980
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $47,410
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,360
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,110
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $47,000
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,370
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $45,900
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,880
- Furniture Finishers $44,420
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $44,360
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $43,960
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $42,300
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $42,080
- Printing Press Operators $41,650
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $41,290
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,710
- Helpers--Production Workers $40,470
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $40,080
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $38,990
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $38,600
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $37,690
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,490
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,440
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $36,970
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $36,970
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $36,830
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $36,600
- Production Workers, All Other $35,240
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $33,010
- Sewing Machine Operators $31,770
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $31,060
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $28,930
- Bakers $28,740
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $28,660
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $28,260
- Food Batchmakers $23,600
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $21,250
Office and administrative support 43
- Postal Service Clerks $61,630
- Meter Readers, Utilities $60,230
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $57,310
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $55,540
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $53,680
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $51,700
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $49,650
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $47,530
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $47,090
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $46,940
- Order Clerks $44,160
- Procurement Clerks $43,590
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $42,080
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $40,080
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $40,050
- Bill and Account Collectors $39,780
- Billing and Posting Clerks $39,740
- Financial Clerks, All Other $39,220
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $38,890
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $38,810
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $38,770
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $38,730
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $38,650
- New Accounts Clerks $38,050
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $37,660
- Customer Service Representatives $37,610
- Couriers and Messengers $37,260
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $36,120
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $35,720
- Data Entry Keyers $35,700
- File Clerks $35,110
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $34,600
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $34,590
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $34,240
- Office Clerks, General $34,150
- Word Processors and Typists $32,870
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $32,380
- Tellers $31,200
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $30,570
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $30,420
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $26,590
- Library Assistants, Clerical $26,300
Healthcare practitioners 38
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $234,960
- Physicians, All Other $228,680
- Dentists, General $147,440
- Veterinarians $134,290
- Pharmacists $133,910
- Optometrists $130,190
- Physician Assistants $122,970
- Nurse Practitioners $121,640
- Physical Therapists $101,210
- Occupational Therapists $93,260
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $92,750
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $83,670
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $82,470
- Speech-Language Pathologists $80,170
- Registered Nurses $79,990
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $73,410
- Dental Hygienists $72,670
- Therapists, All Other $71,180
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $66,780
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $66,660
- Respiratory Therapists $66,370
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $60,240
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $51,440
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $49,850
- Surgical Assistants $49,080
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $49,000
- Paramedics $48,190
- Surgical Technologists $47,700
- Athletic Trainers $45,140
- Medical Records Specialists $43,710
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $41,600
- Opticians, Dispensing $38,480
- Pharmacy Technicians $37,370
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $36,350
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $35,640
- Emergency Medical Technicians $35,060
- Dietetic Technicians $33,330
- Psychiatric Technicians $30,890
Construction and extraction 36
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $80,360
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $75,700
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $75,270
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $73,260
- Sheet Metal Workers $71,800
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $64,200
- Electricians $63,850
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $62,930
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $58,040
- Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas $57,600
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $57,350
- Construction and Building Inspectors $57,240
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $57,140
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $54,600
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $51,490
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $50,010
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $49,630
- Glaziers $49,260
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $47,330
- Carpenters $47,320
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $47,020
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $46,920
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $46,810
- Highway Maintenance Workers $45,310
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $43,910
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $43,450
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $40,020
- Roofers $39,420
- Construction Laborers $38,770
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $37,940
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $37,780
- Pipelayers $36,080
- Helpers--Carpenters $36,020
- Fence Erectors $35,520
- Helpers--Electricians $34,780
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $33,280
Education and library 35
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $107,100
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $106,940
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $83,320
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $80,560
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $77,020
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $75,550
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $75,320
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $73,390
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $66,720
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $65,670
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $65,570
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $64,810
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $64,480
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $64,430
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $63,570
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $62,440
- Instructional Coordinators $61,490
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $59,570
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $56,480
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $56,060
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $55,600
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $55,550
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $55,170
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $49,760
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $49,670
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $48,640
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $47,630
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $47,050
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $43,230
- Tutors $42,420
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $34,850
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $31,100
- Library Technicians $31,080
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $29,610
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,220
Installation, maintenance and repair 29
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $95,270
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $84,490
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $83,920
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $82,010
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $68,000
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $67,850
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $67,140
- Millwrights $66,830
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $61,400
- Medical Equipment Repairers $55,770
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $55,380
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $52,880
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $49,760
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $49,520
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $49,230
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $48,300
- Rail Car Repairers $48,180
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $47,050
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $46,770
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $46,040
- Mechanical Door Repairers $42,990
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $39,900
- Motorcycle Mechanics $38,630
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $38,510
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $37,990
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,470
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $36,320
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $29,970
- Tire Repairers and Changers $29,710
Management 28
- Chief Executives $181,930
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $145,430
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $143,800
- Purchasing Managers $140,370
- Natural Sciences Managers $134,410
- Managers, All Other $126,250
- Medical and Health Services Managers $110,780
- Marketing Managers $110,150
- Human Resources Managers $108,660
- Industrial Production Managers $107,480
- Financial Managers $105,760
- Sales Managers $101,920
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $99,830
- Facilities Managers $97,650
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $92,900
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $85,260
- Administrative Services Managers $82,440
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $80,650
- General and Operations Managers $80,490
- Construction Managers $76,150
- Lodging Managers $71,930
- Social and Community Service Managers $62,460
- Emergency Management Directors $61,780
- Funeral Home Managers $60,150
- Food Service Managers $50,920
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $48,130
- Legislators $46,990
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $44,240
Business and financial 28
- Labor Relations Specialists $96,410
- Management Analysts $94,060
- Financial Specialists, All Other $86,940
- Project Management Specialists $82,950
- Personal Financial Advisors $77,790
- Budget Analysts $75,540
- Accountants and Auditors $74,520
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $72,550
- Financial and Investment Analysts $72,550
- Logisticians $70,690
- Cost Estimators $70,630
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $66,020
- Compliance Officers $64,040
- Human Resources Specialists $62,300
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $62,210
- Training and Development Specialists $61,310
- Financial Examiners $60,440
- Insurance Underwriters $56,740
- Credit Analysts $55,840
- Fundraisers $51,340
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $50,290
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $49,860
- Loan Officers $49,550
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $47,160
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $45,910
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $45,490
- Credit Counselors $40,940
- Tax Preparers $30,470
Transport and material moving 26
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $95,170
- Locomotive Engineers $72,660
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $63,200
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $62,480
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $62,120
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $56,620
- Crane and Tower Operators $54,650
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $50,910
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $49,040
- Wellhead Pumpers $48,780
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $45,440
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $40,930
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $36,630
- Light Truck Drivers $36,110
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $35,990
- Stockers and Order Fillers $34,060
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $33,110
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $31,210
- Bus Drivers, School $30,080
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $29,820
- Driver/Sales Workers $28,660
- Parking Attendants $27,970
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $27,740
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $27,700
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $26,300
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $25,190
Life, physical and social science 23
- Chemists $108,010
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $95,640
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $94,310
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $86,940
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $84,350
- Biological Scientists, All Other $82,760
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $77,980
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $73,780
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $70,540
- School Psychologists $69,870
- Conservation Scientists $68,390
- Epidemiologists $65,490
- Chemical Technicians $63,820
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $60,250
- Urban and Regional Planners $58,240
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $57,500
- Foresters $56,940
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $52,690
- Social Science Research Assistants $52,630
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $51,440
- Biological Technicians $47,130
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $45,950
- Psychologists, All Other $41,900
Personal care and service 20
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $55,970
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $50,210
- Gambling Dealers $38,000
- Animal Trainers $37,970
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $37,760
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $37,270
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $36,500
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $36,020
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $31,150
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $30,630
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $29,740
- Residential Advisors $29,400
- Recreation Workers $29,050
- Funeral Attendants $28,880
- Animal Caretakers $28,330
- Tour and Travel Guides $25,730
- Childcare Workers $23,870
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $23,840
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $22,730
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $18,700
Architecture and engineering 19
- Chemical Engineers $139,730
- Electrical Engineers $108,480
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $107,370
- Industrial Engineers $104,610
- Engineers, All Other $103,400
- Petroleum Engineers $102,900
- Mechanical Engineers $100,610
- Environmental Engineers $99,830
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $93,440
- Civil Engineers $88,200
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $84,530
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $84,000
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $74,960
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $63,880
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,820
- Surveyors $61,610
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $58,440
- Mechanical Drafters $57,040
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $45,630
Sales 18
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $126,770
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $64,330
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $59,390
- Real Estate Sales Agents $57,550
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $48,530
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $45,760
- Advertising Sales Agents $44,610
- Insurance Sales Agents $44,080
- Real Estate Brokers $43,600
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $37,080
- Travel Agents $35,710
- Counter and Rental Clerks $31,070
- Parts Salespersons $29,870
- Telemarketers $29,790
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $29,140
- Retail Salespersons $27,910
- Cashiers $23,490
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $21,180
Computing and mathematics 16
- Database Architects $157,590
- Computer Occupations, All Other $113,030
- Information Security Analysts $107,820
- Software Developers $103,550
- Computer Network Architects $103,350
- Computer Systems Analysts $99,050
- Data Scientists $95,760
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $73,430
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $72,630
- Web Developers $69,160
- Database Administrators $65,380
- Computer Programmers $65,140
- Operations Research Analysts $63,760
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $61,420
- Computer User Support Specialists $54,850
- Computer Network Support Specialists $51,670
Community and social service 15
- Social Workers, All Other $68,990
- Health Education Specialists $62,400
- Healthcare Social Workers $60,670
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $55,420
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $50,220
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $48,220
- Marriage and Family Therapists $48,180
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $47,840
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $46,710
- Rehabilitation Counselors $44,220
- Counselors, All Other $41,740
- Community Health Workers $40,470
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $40,260
- Social and Human Service Assistants $37,860
- Clergy $36,600
Arts, design, entertainment and media 15
- Editors $76,760
- Writers and Authors $66,970
- Audio and Video Technicians $58,000
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $52,230
- Public Relations Specialists $52,080
- Coaches and Scouts $50,230
- Interior Designers $45,090
- Producers and Directors $39,150
- Graphic Designers $36,870
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $36,440
- Photographers $35,470
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $35,050
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,630
- Broadcast Technicians $29,900
- Floral Designers $27,830
Healthcare support 15
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $61,320
- Physical Therapist Assistants $60,270
- Massage Therapists $42,730
- Medical Equipment Preparers $42,400
- Phlebotomists $38,830
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $37,640
- Dental Assistants $37,330
- Nursing Assistants $36,340
- Medical Assistants $35,860
- Medical Transcriptionists $35,770
- Orderlies $34,630
- Psychiatric Aides $32,650
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $32,630
- Physical Therapist Aides $29,320
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $26,560
Protective service 15
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $90,690
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $72,960
- Fish and Game Wardens $59,630
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $57,300
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $56,720
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $54,570
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $49,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $48,810
- Private Detectives and Investigators $46,830
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $46,760
- Firefighters $41,500
- Security Guards $37,220
- Bailiffs $34,800
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $31,800
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $24,350
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $60,790
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $30,500
- Waiters and Waitresses $30,320
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $29,480
- Bartenders $29,030
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $28,790
- Cooks, Restaurant $28,560
- Food Preparation Workers $27,610
- Cooks, Short Order $27,480
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $26,700
- Dishwashers $25,200
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $24,960
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $23,180
- Cooks, Fast Food $22,800
Legal 7
Building and grounds maintenance 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $48,960
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $47,960
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $38,190
- Pest Control Workers $37,930
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $30,590
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $30,310
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $27,710
Farming, fishing and forestry 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $51,370
- Log Graders and Scalers $47,570
- Agricultural Workers, All Other $45,380
- Logging Equipment Operators $35,210
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $31,980
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $29,320
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in West Virginia?
The median across all occupations is $43,320 a year, or $20.83 an hour, covering 701,470 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in West Virginia?
General Internal Medicine Physicians ($234,960), Physicians, All Other ($228,680), Chief Executives ($181,930) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does West Virginia employ the most people in?
Registered Nurses, with 21,740 employed at a median of $79,990. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. West Virginia electricity averages 16.80¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.