Top Paying Jobs in West Virginia
West Virginia has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 81,810 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($597,740), Emergency Medicine Physicians ($491,230), Radiologists ($471,650). The cost of living index is 89.03 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,008/month.
State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
Highest paying careers in West Virginia
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | Science | $95K | $45.44/hr |
| 62 | Financial Risk Specialists | Business & Finance | $94K | $45.36/hr |
| 63 | Petroleum Engineers | Engineering | $93K | $44.89/hr |
| 64 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | Public Safety | $92K | $44.43/hr |
| 65 | Project Management Specialists | Business & Finance | $92K | $44.13/hr |
| 66 | Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers | Transportation | $91K | $43.93/hr |
| 67 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $91K | N/A |
| 68 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $90K | $43.12/hr |
| 69 | Dietitians and Nutritionists | Healthcare | $89K | $43/hr |
| 70 | Labor Relations Specialists | Business & Finance | $88K | $42.32/hr |
Affordability snapshot: West Virginia
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
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Metro areas in West Virginia
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.