Firefighters Salary in West Virginia
Firefighters in West Virginia make a median of $41,500 a year, or about $19.95 an hour. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $60K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across West Virginia. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $42K get you in West Virginia?
About firefighters
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, West Virginia
Entry-level firefighters (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $42K. Top earners bring in $60K or more, a $30K spread from bottom to top.
Firefighters salary by metro in West Virginia
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeling | $51K | +22% | 220 |
| Beckley | $41K | -0% | 100 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | $41K | -1% | 150 |
| Charleston | $38K | -8% | 240 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $35K | -15% | 300 |
Compare to other states
Track firefighters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when West Virginia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do firefighters make in West Virginia?
The median is $41,500 a year, that works out to about $20 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,280, and experienced firefighters can clear $59,770. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $42K enough to live in West Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,839/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,008/month, which eats 35.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a firefighters salary go in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median firefighters salary is worth about $46,614 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do firefighters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.