Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in West Virginia, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 40 largest places in West Virginia, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston | 47,421 | $65,812 | $908 | 6.5% | 45.2% |
| 2 | Huntington | 45,787 | $45,100 | $912 | 6.8% | 35.3% |
| 3 | Morgantown | 30,236 | $44,727 | $937 | 6.2% | 58.5% |
| 4 | Parkersburg | 29,240 | $49,025 | $785 | 7.9% | 21.0% |
| 5 | Wheeling | 26,350 | $48,590 | $794 | 6.5% | 34.1% |
| 6 | Martinsburg | 18,904 | $59,555 | $1,150 | 5.2% | 24.7% |
| 7 | Weirton | 18,647 | $59,575 | $746 | 7.1% | 24.2% |
| 8 | Fairmont | 18,221 | $63,032 | $916 | 6.7% | 32.9% |
| 9 | Beckley | 16,818 | $45,826 | $869 | 3.2% | 29.2% |
| 10 | Clarksburg | 15,549 | $47,386 | $790 | 4.4% | 25.7% |
| 11 | Teays Valley | 14,151 | $108,741 | $1,102 | 2.0% | 46.7% |
| 12 | South Charleston | 13,457 | $63,884 | $844 | 7.0% | 37.8% |
| 13 | Cheat Lake | 10,902 | $117,014 | $1,124 | 2.2% | 61.8% |
| 14 | St. Albans | 10,522 | $53,972 | $931 | 5.4% | 24.3% |
| 15 | Vienna | 10,518 | $60,388 | $809 | 3.5% | 31.4% |
| 16 | Cross Lanes | 9,671 | $63,537 | $949 | 3.5% | 32.4% |
| 17 | Bluefield | 9,387 | $49,375 | $804 | 4.4% | 30.8% |
| 18 | Bridgeport | 9,252 | $100,022 | $1,105 | 2.3% | 53.4% |
| 19 | Oak Hill | 7,937 | $52,466 | $847 | 4.6% | 15.6% |
| 20 | Moundsville | 7,869 | $49,048 | $834 | 3.2% | 17.3% |
| 21 | Charles Town | 7,337 | $89,263 | $1,115 | 5.9% | 36.1% |
| 22 | Dunbar | 7,254 | $58,379 | $935 | 1.8% | 29.2% |
| 23 | Pea Ridge | 6,988 | $65,811 | $1,014 | 2.4% | 47.6% |
| 24 | Hurricane | 6,855 | $71,167 | $878 | 3.6% | 37.5% |
| 25 | Nitro | 6,853 | $53,848 | $949 | 5.4% | 17.2% |
| 26 | Elkins | 6,811 | $44,217 | $903 | 6.5% | 31.1% |
| 27 | Brookhaven | 6,212 | $88,438 | $1,104 | 7.0% | 40.5% |
| 28 | Princeton | 5,736 | $43,900 | $747 | 1.6% | 21.0% |
| 29 | Ranson corporation | 5,729 | $89,523 | $1,536 | 2.5% | 18.9% |
| 30 | New Martinsville | 5,133 | $60,946 | $688 | 5.3% | 23.8% |
| 31 | Buckhannon | 5,116 | $54,615 | $885 | 4.7% | 24.4% |
| 32 | Keyser | 4,857 | $46,955 | $648 | 12.9% | 18.0% |
| 33 | Grafton | 4,618 | $40,402 | $512 | 7.4% | 11.2% |
| 34 | Barboursville | 4,376 | $60,571 | $1,037 | 4.2% | 34.1% |
| 35 | Pinch | 4,037 | $76,741 | $916 | n/a | 35.5% |
| 36 | Westover | 4,026 | $60,769 | $1,025 | 3.0% | 33.0% |
| 37 | Point Pleasant | 3,961 | $37,563 | $624 | 8.1% | 28.2% |
| 38 | Weston | 3,840 | $52,070 | $770 | 16.2% | 13.6% |
| 39 | Lewisburg | 3,835 | $49,560 | $893 | 5.3% | 57.8% |
| 40 | Ravenswood | 3,830 | $34,241 | $714 | n/a | 16.4% |
West Virginia is in the South region (South Atlantic division), with 1,778,373 residents, a median age of 42.7 and a median household income of $59,608. The unemployment rate was 4.0% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 89.5 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $59,608 | 50 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 30 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 5.5% | 1 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 89.5 | 9 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 51 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 1.8% | 51 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 238 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities40 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the South Atlantic division: Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Maryland · North Carolina · South Carolina · Virginia.
West Virginia is in the South region (South Atlantic division) and has 1,778,373 residents (the 39th largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 42.7. Its economy produced about $115,412 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 43rd among states and DC, equal to $64,898 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 4.0% in 2026M09, which is 30th lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 5.5% of employment, 1st highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $45,300 a year ($21.78 an hour), 11% below the national median ($45,300 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in West Virginia are Registered Nurses (23,430 jobs, median $80,130); Retail Salespersons (19,050 jobs, median $28,950); Home Health and Personal Care Aides (18,890 jobs, median $28,010); Cashiers (17,360 jobs, median $26,370); Cooks, Fast Food (16,490 jobs, median $23,120). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are Pharmacists (median $133,430); Nurse Practitioners (median $127,320); Managers, All Other (median $124,940). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in construction and extraction (1.5 times the national share of workers) and healthcare practitioners and technical (1.4 times the national share of workers).
Prices are below the national average in West Virginia: the regional price parity is 89.5 against 100 for the whole country (9th lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $872 a month and the median household income $59,608, so a year of rent equals 17.6% of income; the median home value is $162,600. The state minimum wage is $8.75 (the higher of state and federal rates applies to most workers). State income tax on wages: Graduated, top rate 4.82%. It is a right-to-work state, meaning workers cannot be required to pay union dues as a condition of employment. It has no state paid family and medical leave programme in our source.
1.8% of residents were born abroad and 24.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 78.1% drive alone, 0.5% use public transit and 9.1% work from home; 17.5% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 17,516 | 15.2% |
| Government and government enterprises | 16,041 | 13.9% |
| Health care and social assistance | 13,235 | 11.5% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 11,423 | 9.9% |
| Manufacturing | 9,408 | 8.2% |
| Retail trade | 7,884 | 6.8% |
| Wholesale trade | 5,342 | 4.6% |
| Construction | 5,045 | 4.4% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 4,960 | 4.3% |
| Finance and insurance | 4,940 | 4.3% |
| Accommodation and food services | 3,410 | 3.0% |
| Utilities | 3,256 | 2.8% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 2,984 | 2.6% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 2,860 | 2.5% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 2,284 | 2.0% |
| Information | 2,164 | 1.9% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 1,019 | 0.9% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 633 | 0.5% |
| Educational services | 581 | 0.5% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 426 | 0.4% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 19,600 | -2.5% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 35,200 | -5.1% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 44,700 | -0.7% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 121,300 | +0.4% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 7,400 | -2.6% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 25,600 | -2.3% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 72,800 | +1.0% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 148,300 | +1.8% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 73,800 | +0.7% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 22,900 | -4.6% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 147,900 | -0.2% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 719,500 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 80,630 | 114.9 | 1.01 | $39,090 | $27,920 | $61,510 | -18% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 60,770 | 86.6 | 0.98 | $27,680 | $21,450 | $44,700 | -21% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 59,900 | 85.4 | 0.97 | $37,210 | $27,360 | $62,230 | -16% |
| Sales and Related | 59,570 | 84.9 | 0.98 | $30,360 | $22,010 | $62,710 | -21% |
| Management | 42,090 | 60.0 | 0.84 | $93,590 | $48,560 | $180,590 | -26% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 32,310 | 46.1 | 0.68 | $69,910 | $40,970 | $123,030 | -15% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 64,450 | 91.9 | 1.45 | $76,530 | $39,560 | $147,870 | -12% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 42,210 | 60.2 | 1.03 | $52,820 | $29,630 | $76,880 | -13% |
| Production | 34,180 | 48.7 | 0.88 | $46,490 | $29,790 | $78,200 | -1% |
| Healthcare Support | 40,080 | 57.1 | 1.12 | $32,210 | $23,040 | $45,620 | -16% |
| Construction and Extraction | 42,670 | 60.8 | 1.47 | $57,620 | $35,640 | $88,190 | -3% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 35,400 | 50.5 | 1.29 | $49,740 | $30,910 | $91,810 | -17% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 14,520 | 20.7 | 0.61 | $80,720 | $45,520 | $157,140 | -26% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 21,950 | 31.3 | 1.07 | $31,150 | $23,350 | $48,880 | -17% |
| Protective Service | 16,160 | 23.0 | 0.95 | $45,390 | $21,140 | $71,520 | -9% |
| Personal Care and Service | 12,010 | 17.1 | 0.82 | $29,430 | $21,780 | $49,910 | -19% |
| Community and Social Service | 14,490 | 20.6 | 1.20 | $48,690 | $34,750 | $74,110 | -16% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 9,590 | 13.7 | 0.81 | $84,440 | $47,090 | $147,070 | -15% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 5,080 | 7.2 | 0.55 | $45,830 | $28,580 | $94,100 | -27% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 7,300 | 10.4 | 1.10 | $68,400 | $40,670 | $122,300 | -17% |
| Legal | 5,310 | 7.6 | 0.90 | $80,060 | $42,100 | $161,120 | -22% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 950 | 1.4 | 0.49 | $37,000 | $24,180 | $62,130 | +1% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 28.1% |
| Retail trade | 12.0% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 8.4% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 8.2% |
| Manufacturing | 8.0% |
| Public administration | 7.2% |
| Construction | 6.7% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 6.1% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 4.7% |
| Other services | 4.4% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 3.2% |
| Wholesale trade | 1.7% |
| Information | 1.5% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 23,430 | 1.54 | $80,130 | $57,210 | $131,760 | -18% |
| Retail Salespersons | 19,050 | 1.08 | $28,950 | $22,260 | $39,520 | -18% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 18,890 | 0.97 | $28,010 | $22,430 | $32,590 | -22% |
| Cashiers | 17,360 | 1.25 | $26,370 | $21,350 | $33,990 | -20% |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 16,490 | 5.70 | $23,120 | $21,600 | $28,300 | -25% |
| General and Operations Managers | 15,300 | 0.97 | $82,500 | $45,500 | $175,070 | -22% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 12,520 | 0.98 | $34,510 | $27,550 | $44,510 | -8% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 12,190 | 1.31 | $49,480 | $36,350 | $72,230 | -16% |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 11,300 | 0.85 | $36,990 | $27,270 | $50,240 | -8% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 9,860 | 0.84 | $38,430 | $29,590 | $56,970 | -14% |
| Office Clerks, General | 9,430 | 0.85 | $35,020 | $24,160 | $51,010 | -22% |
| Nursing Assistants | 9,390 | 1.44 | $36,720 | $31,060 | $45,290 | -13% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 9,340 | 0.94 | $30,980 | $23,400 | $44,700 | -16% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 8,820 | 1.15 | $40,370 | $28,820 | $57,970 | -15% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 8,600 | 0.84 | $35,380 | $20,230 | $60,560 | +0% |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 8,060 | 1.17 | $38,890 | $28,170 | $68,240 | -22% |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 7,830 | 3.63 | $51,300 | $36,500 | $76,970 | -14% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 7,620 | 1.23 | $42,890 | $30,890 | $58,560 | -15% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | 7,420 | 1.47 | $39,740 | $27,870 | $66,210 | -18% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 6,900 | 1.07 | $53,660 | $37,830 | $80,310 | -23% |
| Construction Laborers | 6,620 | 1.34 | $42,670 | $30,770 | $60,550 | -9% |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 6,450 | 1.01 | $29,590 | $22,180 | $38,010 | -21% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | 6,390 | 1.16 | $33,070 | $27,160 | $49,390 | -25% |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 6,240 | 0.36 | $26,070 | $18,750 | $35,150 | -16% |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 6,110 | 1.57 | $28,090 | $22,510 | $36,240 | -21% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | 1,980 | 1.28 | $258,020 | $59,160 | $374,980 | -3% |
| Chief Executives | 1,700 | 1.84 | $151,950 | $72,160 | $403,020 | -29% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 1,100 | 0.36 | $139,820 | $78,440 | $205,040 | -20% |
| Pharmacists | 2,260 | 1.56 | $133,430 | $80,900 | $166,020 | -5% |
| Physician Assistants | 1,080 | 1.47 | $128,610 | $98,200 | $160,890 | -5% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 2,550 | 1.75 | $127,320 | $100,220 | $155,500 | -4% |
| Managers, All Other | 3,640 | 1.30 | $124,940 | $61,760 | $200,160 | -12% |
| Software Developers | 2,650 | 0.35 | $121,000 | $60,480 | $168,620 | -11% |
| Financial Managers | 2,610 | 0.69 | $113,140 | $73,260 | $199,920 | -32% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 2,080 | 0.77 | $112,010 | $77,810 | $209,090 | -10% |
| Industrial Production Managers | 1,000 | 0.90 | $111,760 | $79,500 | $175,070 | -11% |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | 3,380 | 1.72 | $107,140 | $51,090 | $172,410 | -8% |
| Lawyers | 2,440 | 0.72 | $102,420 | $64,950 | $206,370 | -36% |
| Management Analysts | 1,740 | 0.43 | $97,470 | $57,830 | $143,420 | -4% |
| Physical Therapists | 1,310 | 1.08 | $96,600 | $73,130 | $126,380 | -6% |
| Sales Managers | 1,110 | 0.39 | $94,830 | $57,150 | $188,170 | -36% |
| Project Management Specialists | 2,520 | 0.52 | $91,780 | $54,070 | $149,460 | -10% |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | 1,270 | 2.88 | $89,690 | $60,640 | $93,340 | +21% |
| Civil Engineers | 1,300 | 0.78 | $86,930 | $51,640 | $132,960 | -14% |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | 1,020 | 1.61 | $86,560 | $42,130 | $128,850 | -4% |
| Administrative Services Managers | 1,890 | 1.59 | $84,820 | $59,150 | $126,550 | -26% |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | 1,520 | 1.87 | $84,660 | $53,160 | $198,330 | -19% |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 1,260 | 2.14 | $83,810 | $47,760 | $115,350 | -12% |
| General and Operations Managers | 15,300 | 0.97 | $82,500 | $45,500 | $175,070 | -22% |
| Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | 1,480 | 1.00 | $80,650 | $57,740 | $97,350 | -24% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining | 1,250 | 46.62 | $74,950 | $64,120 | $81,100 | +1% |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 16,490 | 5.70 | $23,120 | $21,600 | $28,300 | -25% |
| Tree Trimmers and Pruners | 1,420 | 5.70 | $49,140 | $36,350 | $57,260 | -4% |
| Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan | 2,480 | 3.71 | $36,480 | $29,730 | $44,030 | -21% |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 7,830 | 3.63 | $51,300 | $36,500 | $76,970 | -14% |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,920 | 3.42 | $76,080 | $39,920 | $76,080 | +61% |
| Residential Advisors | 1,180 | 3.08 | $31,840 | $22,090 | $43,210 | -25% |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | 1,270 | 2.88 | $89,690 | $60,640 | $93,340 | +21% |
| Crossing Guards and Flaggers | 1,190 | 2.80 | $32,800 | $29,720 | $80,280 | -14% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 2,110 | 2.65 | $56,810 | $39,330 | $80,490 | -13% |
| Bus Drivers, School | 4,690 | 2.58 | $33,360 | $29,610 | $36,670 | -30% |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | 1,080 | 2.51 | $56,440 | $45,380 | $63,710 | -16% |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 2,400 | 2.40 | $60,300 | $25,850 | $133,950 | -44% |
| Paramedics | 1,090 | 2.40 | $48,460 | $35,930 | $62,800 | -20% |
| Phlebotomists | 1,530 | 2.36 | $39,250 | $30,570 | $46,130 | -13% |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | 4,420 | 2.22 | $29,740 | $23,820 | $38,470 | -21% |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 1,260 | 2.14 | $83,810 | $47,760 | $115,350 | -12% |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | 6,050 | 2.07 | $55,360 | $45,690 | $70,960 | -14% |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | 4,840 | 2.05 | $49,020 | $41,440 | $75,290 | +18% |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | 1,000 | 1.99 | $57,760 | $50,490 | $69,390 | -13% |
| Production Workers, All Other | 2,260 | 1.99 | $39,500 | $28,460 | $59,160 | -2% |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 1,590 | 1.96 | $37,810 | $28,580 | $50,370 | -22% |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | 1,100 | 1.90 | $47,560 | $35,360 | $75,240 | -21% |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 1,190 | 1.89 | $66,060 | $44,000 | $93,130 | +14% |
| Education Administrators, Postsecondary | 1,520 | 1.87 | $84,660 | $53,160 | $198,330 | -19% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 238 federal job postings open now in West Virginia (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Veterans Health Administration | 56 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 38 |
| Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System | 26 |
| U.S. Coast Guard | 17 |
| Army National Guard Units | 12 |
| Air National Guard Units | 11 |
| U.S. Army Reserve Command | 10 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 8 |
| Department of Energy Headquarters | 8 |
| Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 5 |
| Natural Resources Conservation Service | 4 |
| Agricultural Research Service | 4 |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | 3 |
| Forest Service | 3 |
| Drug Enforcement Administration | 2 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Medical Officer | 21 |
| Transportation Specialist | 17 |
| Aviation Safety | 14 |
| General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series | 9 |
| Correctional Officer | 9 |
| General Engineering | 8 |
| Human Resources Management | 7 |
| Miscellaneous Administration And Program | 7 |
| Information Technology Management | 6 |
| Nurse | 6 |
| Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic | 5 |
| Administrative Officer | 5 |
| Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant | 5 |
| Health Aid And Technician | 4 |
| Dental Officer | 4 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $75,278 (208 postings).
The median wage in West Virginia is $45,300 a year ($21.78 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (-11%). The 10th percentile earns $26,070 and the 90th $98,220.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 80,630 | 114.9 | 1.01 | $39,090 | $27,920 | $61,510 | -18% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 60,770 | 86.6 | 0.98 | $27,680 | $21,450 | $44,700 | -21% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 59,900 | 85.4 | 0.97 | $37,210 | $27,360 | $62,230 | -16% |
| Sales and Related | 59,570 | 84.9 | 0.98 | $30,360 | $22,010 | $62,710 | -21% |
| Management | 42,090 | 60.0 | 0.84 | $93,590 | $48,560 | $180,590 | -26% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 32,310 | 46.1 | 0.68 | $69,910 | $40,970 | $123,030 | -15% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 64,450 | 91.9 | 1.45 | $76,530 | $39,560 | $147,870 | -12% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 42,210 | 60.2 | 1.03 | $52,820 | $29,630 | $76,880 | -13% |
| Production | 34,180 | 48.7 | 0.88 | $46,490 | $29,790 | $78,200 | -1% |
| Healthcare Support | 40,080 | 57.1 | 1.12 | $32,210 | $23,040 | $45,620 | -16% |
| Construction and Extraction | 42,670 | 60.8 | 1.47 | $57,620 | $35,640 | $88,190 | -3% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 35,400 | 50.5 | 1.29 | $49,740 | $30,910 | $91,810 | -17% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 14,520 | 20.7 | 0.61 | $80,720 | $45,520 | $157,140 | -26% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 21,950 | 31.3 | 1.07 | $31,150 | $23,350 | $48,880 | -17% |
| Protective Service | 16,160 | 23.0 | 0.95 | $45,390 | $21,140 | $71,520 | -9% |
| Personal Care and Service | 12,010 | 17.1 | 0.82 | $29,430 | $21,780 | $49,910 | -19% |
| Community and Social Service | 14,490 | 20.6 | 1.20 | $48,690 | $34,750 | $74,110 | -16% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 9,590 | 13.7 | 0.81 | $84,440 | $47,090 | $147,070 | -15% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 5,080 | 7.2 | 0.55 | $45,830 | $28,580 | $94,100 | -27% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 7,300 | 10.4 | 1.10 | $68,400 | $40,670 | $122,300 | -17% |
| Legal | 5,310 | 7.6 | 0.90 | $80,060 | $42,100 | $161,120 | -22% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 950 | 1.4 | 0.49 | $37,000 | $24,180 | $62,130 | +1% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set; graduated states show 0 until you enter your own estimate. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In West Virginia ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $8.75 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | Graduated, top rate 4.82% |
| Right-to-work state | Yes |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 89.5 |
| Median gross rent per month | $872 |
| Median home value | $162,600 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 74.9% |
| Poverty rate | 16.7% |
| Drive alone to work | 78.1% |
| Public transit to work | 0.5% |
| Work from home | 9.1% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 17.5% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
1.8% of residents of West Virginia were born abroad (32,366 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 2,757 |
| India | 2,296 |
| Philippines | 2,200 |
| Germany | 1,591 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 1,490 |
| Canada | 1,321 |
| England | 999 |
| Guatemala | 942 |
| El Salvador | 886 |
| Vietnam | 842 |
| Peru | 721 |
| Korea | 719 |
| Nigeria | 646 |
| Italy | 573 |
| Jamaica | 550 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$8.75 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
Graduated, top rate 4.82% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
4.0% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$59,608 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
238 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.