Estimate · based on BLS national data

Economists in West Virginia

$110,861 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$53.3 per hour

▼ 22.0% below U.S. average38th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$110,861per year
Median$97,282per year
Hourly$53.3per hour
10th – 90th percentile$59,198 – $170,832per year

Economists Pay Range in West Virginia

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$59,198
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$85,828
  • 50th Percentile — Median$97,282
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$145,743
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$170,832

Half of Economists in West Virginia earn more than $97,282. The top 10% make $170,832 or more, while entry-level workers start around $59,198.

Economists in West Virginia: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • West Virginia ranks 38th of 51 states for Economists pay, at $110,861 per year (22.0% below the U.S. average of $142,130).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $59,198; the top 10% earn over $170,832.
  • Hourly equivalent: $53.3 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $175,100.
  • Among science jobs in West Virginia, Physicists pays the most ($133,520).

Economists Job Market in West Virginia

Key factors affecting compensation

West Virginia's key industries are Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and its job market is rated low. Economists here earn $110,861 on average, placing the state 38th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.78 (U.S. = 1.00), a West Virginia salary of $110,861 is roughly equivalent to $142,129 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Mississippi ($113,704), Florida ($113,290), Connecticut ($112,760) are the closest alternatives for Economists weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Economists salary in West Virginia?

The average Economists salary in West Virginia is $110,861 per year (median $97,282), which is 22.0% below the national average of $142,130.

How does West Virginia rank for Economists pay?

West Virginia ranks 38th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($175,100/yr).

How much do entry-level Economists make in West Virginia?

The lowest-paid 10% of Economists in West Virginia earn about $59,198 per year and the 25th percentile is $85,828.

How much do Economists make per hour in West Virginia?

About $53.3 per hour, based on the $110,861 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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