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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Biological Scientists, All Other | Science | $85K | $40.67/hr |
| 82 | Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $84K | N/A |
| 83 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Production & Manufacturing | $84K | $40.34/hr |
| 84 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $84K | $40.29/hr |
| 85 | Environmental Engineers | Engineering | $83K | $40/hr |
| 86 | Chiropractors | Healthcare | $83K | $39.98/hr |
| 87 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Science | $83K | $39.76/hr |
| 88 | Gas Plant Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $83K | $39.71/hr |
| 89 | General and Operations Managers | Management | $83K | $39.66/hr |
| 90 | Public Relations Managers | Management | $82K | $39.61/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.