Social and Human Service Assistants Salary in Charleston, WV
The median pay for a social and human service assistants in Charleston, WV is $38,290/year ($18.41/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $50K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 88.72), which stretches that salary to about $43,158 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,036/month — about 39.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $38K get you in Charleston?
About social and human service assistants
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Charleston, WV
Entry-level social and human service assistants (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $38K.Top earners bring in $50K or more - a $21K spread from bottom to top.
Social and Human Service Assistants pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $57K | +27% | 1,880 |
| California | $52K | +15% | 58,830 |
| Washington | $50K | +11% | 6,850 |
| New Jersey | $49K | +9% | 15,060 |
| Minnesota | $49K | +8% | 11,290 |
| Oregon | $49K | +8% | 10,820 |
| Rhode Island | $48K | +6% | 2,020 |
| Massachusetts | $47K | +5% | 11,870 |
| North Dakota | $47K | +4% | 1,280 |
| Wisconsin | $46K | +3% | 6,950 |
| Vermont | $46K | +3% | 2,150 |
| Maine | $46K | +3% | 4,620 |
| New York | $46K | +2% | 40,700 |
| Alaska | $46K | +2% | 1,070 |
| Idaho | $46K | +2% | 3,450 |
Track social and human service assistants salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Charleston numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do social and human service assistants make in Charleston, WV?
The median is $38,290 a year - that works out to about $18.41 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,120, and experienced social and human service assistants can clear $49,960. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $38K enough to live in Charleston?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,636/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,036/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 39.3% 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 social and human service assistants salary go in Charleston?
Charleston has a Regional Price Parity of 88.72 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median social and human service assistants salary is worth about $43,158 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do social and human service assistants 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.