Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in West Virginia
In West Virginia, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations earn an average annual salary of $92,470. This figure is notably below the national average of $103,510, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state's construction and development sectors.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $141,900.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,370 individuals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations, West Virginia presents a moderately sized job market. The Location Quotient of 0.8 suggests that these roles are slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the overall workforce composition.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in West Virginia earns-10.7%below the national average.
$44.5
$1,778
$7,706
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in West Virginia have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development initiatives and infrastructure projects within the state likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these skilled professionals.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in West Virginia
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations in West Virginia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior architects and lead engineers can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility, specialized skills, and project leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $49,080 | $23.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $69,353 | $33.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $85,470 | $41.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $115,588 | $55.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $141,900 | $68.2 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,486
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
The average annual salary of $92,470 in West Virginia offers a strong purchasing power due to the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5, which is 11.5% lower than the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned can translate into a higher effective standard of living compared to more expensive regions.
Job Market Context
9,370
Total Jobs
13.362
Per 1K Jobs
0.8
Location Quotient
West Virginia has 0.80x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.8 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in West Virginia indicates that this field is slightly underrepresented compared to the national average. This suggests a market that is neither saturated nor exceptionally competitive, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without overwhelming competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $92,060↓ 0% | 38 mi |
| Beckley, WV Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $85,010↓ 8% | 50 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $104,670↑ 13% | 62 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $85,910↓ 7% | 80 mi |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $86,920↓ 6% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in West Virginia is $92,470. This typically ranges from $49,080 for entry-level positions to $141,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 10.7% lower than the national median of $103,510.
Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the significantly lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $92,470 income, making it financially advantageous.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($92,060) and Beckley, WV.
How does West Virginia's average salary compare to the national average for this field?
The average annual salary in West Virginia for Architecture and Engineering Occupations is $92,470, which is lower than the national average of $103,510.
What is the concentration of Architecture and Engineering jobs in West Virginia?
West Virginia has a Location Quotient of 0.8 for these occupations, meaning they are slightly less concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living in West Virginia affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5, West Virginia is more affordable than the national average, making the $92,470 salary provide a higher standard of living.
What is the total workforce size for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in West Virginia?
There are approximately 9,370 individuals employed in Architecture and Engineering Occupations in West Virginia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,370 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 13.362 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Virginia