Overview Salaries

Salaries in Charleston, WV

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Charleston, WV?

The average salary in Charleston, WV is $55,490 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Charleston, WV, showing an average salary of $55,490 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Charleston, WV, showing an average salary of $4,624 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Charleston, WV, showing an average salary of $1,067 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Charleston, WV, showing an average salary of $27 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Charleston, WV, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $55,490. This makes it an attractive place for job seekers looking for a good income.

Here are the salary ranges in Charleston, WV, by industry distribution:

  • 27.93% of jobs pay $22,000 or less
  • 22.16% of jobs pay between $22,000 and $35,909
  • 20.10% of jobs pay between $35,909 and $49,818
  • 7.29% of jobs pay between $49,818 and $63,727
  • 6.01% of jobs pay between $63,727 and $77,636
  • 4.14% of jobs pay between $77,636 and $91,545
  • 2.41% of jobs pay between $91,545 and $105,455
  • 2.05% of jobs pay between $105,455 and $119,364
  • 1.28% of jobs pay between $119,364 and $133,273
  • 1.03% of jobs pay between $133,273 and $147,182
  • 0.61% of jobs pay $147,182 or more

These numbers show that while many jobs offer modest salaries, there are also opportunities for higher earnings. Job seekers in Charleston can find positions that match their skill level and career goals. With some effort, they can secure a job that offers good pay and job satisfaction.

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What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, WV?

Charleston, WV, offers several top-paying job opportunities for those looking to boost their income. Among these, Nurse Practitioners can expect an average salary of over $145,000. This profession demands strong clinical skills and the ability to provide comprehensive patient care. Counselors and Regional Managers also stand out as highly rewarding roles in Charleston. Counselors, who support individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues, can earn around $123,000, while Regional Managers, responsible for overseeing business operations across multiple locations, can make about $108,000. These jobs not only offer competitive salaries but also provide a chance to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, WV, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $145,405 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $88,053.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $145,405
    Provide advanced healthcare in local clinics and hospitals. Work with patients of all ages. Essential roles at local healthcare providers such as CAMC and MUSC.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, WV


  2. Counselor
    Average Salary: $123,268
    Help individuals and families address personal challenges. Offer support in schools, mental health centers, and private practices. Common employers include WV Department of Health and Human Resources and private practices.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, WV


  3. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $108,733
    Travel to different locations to provide care. Work in local hospitals and clinics. Common employers include West Virginia Health Right and Charleston Area Medical Center.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Charleston, WV


  4. Regional Manager
    Average Salary: $108,486
    Oversee business operations in a specific area. Coordinate with local offices. Key roles at companies like Kroger and Walmart.
    Find Regional Manager jobs in Charleston, WV


  5. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $104,482
    Drive large vehicles to transport goods. Ensure safe and timely deliveries. Companies like J.B. Hunt Transport Services and UPS offer opportunities.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Charleston, WV


  6. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $98,466
    Manage tech projects from start to finish. Work with development teams on software projects. Tech firms like IBM and local startups offer roles.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Charleston, WV


  7. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $93,256
    Perform imaging exams like X-rays and MRIs. Work in hospitals and clinics. Key employers include Charleston Area Medical Center and local imaging centers.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Charleston, WV


  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $93,018
    Help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. Work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Local employers include CAMC and WV Health Care Authority.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Charleston, WV


  9. Attorney
    Average Salary: $91,746
    Represent clients in legal matters. Work in law firms and government offices. Common employers include the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and private firms.
    Find Attorney jobs in Charleston, WV


  10. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $88,053
    Provide patient care in hospitals and clinics. Collaborate with doctors and other healthcare providers. Opportunities at Charleston Area Medical Center and local clinics.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Charleston, WV

What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, WV without a degree?

Charleston, WV offers several lucrative job opportunities that do not require a college degree. These positions include roles such as Recreation Assistant and Restaurant Manager, both of which provide competitive salaries. Job seekers will find these roles rewarding, with strong earning potential and meaningful contributions to their communities. Specifically, a Recreation Assistant can earn around $43,925 annually, while a Restaurant Manager earns approximately $43,847 per year. These jobs give individuals a chance to build a solid career without a degree. Roles like Barista, Server Assistant, and Server also offer good pay and allow for career growth. The variety of positions available means job seekers can find an opportunity that matches their skills and interests.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, WV without a degree, highlighting Recreation Assistant with the highest at $43,925 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $28,087.

  1. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $43,925
    Engage community members in fun activities. Work in local parks or community centers. Ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic environment.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Charleston, WV


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $43,847
    Oversee daily operations at eateries. Ensure smooth service and manage staff. Opportunities with local chains and independent eateries.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, WV


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $31,541
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers daily. Coffee shops and cafes offer these positions.
    Find Barista jobs in Charleston, WV


  4. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $30,927
    Support servers by setting tables and assisting customers. Work in busy dining areas. Great for those who like helping others and working in teams.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Charleston, WV


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $30,340
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Work in a fast-paced setting. Opportunities in local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, WV


  6. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $30,158
    Maintain clean and safe environments. Sweep floors and handle waste. Essential in various retail and dining settings.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Charleston, WV


  7. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $29,624
    Prepare and package food for takeout. Interact with customers as needed. Position available in many fast-food and casual dining restaurants.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Charleston, WV


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $29,473
    Prepare ingredients and cook food quickly. Work under pressure in a kitchen. Available in various dining establishments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Charleston, WV


  9. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $29,306
    Maintain outdoor spaces like parks and gardens. Perform tasks like mowing and trimming. Essential for keeping public areas clean and inviting.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Charleston, WV


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $28,087
    Assist in food preparation and cooking. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Great for those who enjoy being part of a team in a busy environment.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Charleston, WV

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, WV?

Charleston, WV, offers a range of job opportunities with varying pay scales. The top-paying companies in the area include CVS Health, which provides a competitive average salary of $98,871, and Ryder System, offering an average salary of $90,901. These companies attract skilled professionals with their attractive compensation packages. Other notable employers in Charleston include Amedisys, offering an average salary of $89,276, and CommuniCare Health Services, with an average salary of $68,373. Exploring job openings with these companies can provide job seekers with excellent earning potential in the Charleston area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charleston, WV, highlighting CVS Health with the highest at $98,871 and West Virginia Department of Education with the lowest at $46,647.

  1. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $98,871
    CVS Health is a health services company. They offer a range of health care services, from pharmacy to insurance. They value their employees and offer competitive salaries.


  2. Ryder System
    Average Salary: $90,901
    Ryder System is a logistics company. They focus on transportation and supply chain solutions. They strive to provide top-notch services and offer attractive compensation packages.


  3. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $89,276
    Amedisys offers home health, hospice, and palliative care services. They focus on quality care and support for patients. They provide good salaries and benefits to their employees.


  4. CommuniCare Health Services
    Average Salary: $68,373
    CommuniCare Health Services provides health care and rehabilitation services. They aim to improve the quality of life for their patients. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  5. Select Specialty Hospital
    Average Salary: $65,047
    Select Specialty Hospital specializes in long-term acute care. They focus on patient recovery and rehabilitation. They offer good salaries and work environments.


  6. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
    Average Salary: $61,509
    The WV Department of Environmental Protection works to protect the environment. They focus on conservation and pollution control. They provide stable jobs and fair salaries.


  7. West Virginia Department of Transportation
    Average Salary: $57,466
    The WV Department of Transportation manages state highways and transportation projects. They focus on safe and efficient travel. They offer reliable jobs and good compensation.


  8. West Virginia
    Average Salary: $54,146
    The state of West Virginia employs workers in various roles. They focus on public service and state management. They provide jobs with fair salaries and benefits.


  9. West Virginia Department of Transportation (WV)
    Average Salary: $52,790
    The WV Department of Transportation manages state highways and transportation projects. They focus on safe and efficient travel. They offer reliable jobs and good compensation.


  10. West Virginia Department of Education
    Average Salary: $46,647
    The WV Department of Education oversees public schools and education programs. They focus on quality education for students. They provide stable jobs with fair compensation.

How does the cost of living in Charleston, WV compare to the national average?

Charleston, WV, presents a cost of living index that is notably lower than the nationwide average of 100. Specifically, the city's cost of living index stands at 92, reflecting an 8% reduction overall. This makes Charleston a more affordable location for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses compared to the national average. Breaking it down, housing costs in Charleston are 13% below the national average, while groceries remain only 7% below. Utilities and transportation costs also show modest savings, at 2% and 10% below the national figures, respectively. Healthcare expenses are about 15% lower, and miscellaneous costs are just 5% below average. This combination of factors presents Charleston as a budget-friendly option for prospective residents.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charleston, WV vs. Nationwide: housing 13% lower, groceries 7% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 15% lower, miscellaneous 5% lower.

The cost of living index in Charleston, WV, presents a picture that is both affordable and comparable to the nationwide average. Specifically, housing costs in Charleston stand at 87, which is 13% below the national average. This difference can translate into lower housing expenses for residents, making it more feasible to manage living costs in the area.


When comparing other areas of the cost of living, Charleston fares slightly below the national average in several categories, yet remains close enough to be manageable. For groceries, Charleston’s index is 93, which is only 7% lower than the national standard. Utilities hover at 98, just 2% above the average, while transportation costs are at 90, a 10% decrease. Healthcare, at 85, is significantly 15% below the national average, and miscellaneous costs are 95, just 5% lower. Overall, these figures suggest that Charleston offers a cost of living that is competitive and often lower than the nationwide average in many essential areas.

There are 911 job openings in Charleston, WV, today!

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Charleston, WV
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