Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in West Virginia
In West Virginia, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $42,350. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $41,160, suggesting that while the state may not be a primary hub, localized demand or specific industry characteristics contribute to competitive compensation for these roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,790.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 1,360 individuals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations, West Virginia presents a niche but stable employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.68 indicates a concentration below the national average, suggesting that while these roles are present, they are not as densely populated as in other regions, potentially leading to focused opportunities for dedicated professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Virginia earns+2.9%above the national average.
$20.4
$814
$3,529
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for West Virginia's Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national economic patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for agricultural and natural resources, and evolving industry practices likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these vital roles.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in West Virginia
Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Virginia typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge and demonstrated expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $24,910 | $12 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $31,763 | $15.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,740 | $19.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $52,938 | $25.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,790 | $29.7 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,853
Adjusted for COL (88.5)
The average annual salary of $42,350 in West Virginia for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations is particularly attractive when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 88.5. This index is notably below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of this salary is enhanced, allowing residents to enjoy a higher standard of living compared to areas with a higher cost of living, even with a comparable nominal income.
Job Market Context
1,360
Total Jobs
1.945
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
West Virginia has 0.68x the national average concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 0.68 for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Virginia indicates that these roles are less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a less saturated job market, which could translate to fewer applicants per opening and potentially more leverage for skilled individuals seeking employment in these sectors. While not a dominant industry, the presence of these jobs offers specialized career paths.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $39,190↓ 7% | 38 mi |
| Beckley, WV Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,350↓ 2% | 50 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $44,860↑ 6% | 62 mi |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $39,200↓ 7% | 80 mi |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $44,420↑ 5% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Virginia is $42,350. This typically ranges from $24,910 for entry-level positions to $61,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 2.9% higher than the national median of $41,160.
Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
Yes, with a caveat on relative opportunity.West Virginia offers an average salary slightly above the national average for these roles, coupled with a significantly lower cost of living, enhancing purchasing power. However, the lower concentration (LQ of 0.68) suggests fewer overall opportunities compared to national hubs.
Is West Virginia a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 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 ($39,190) and Beckley, WV.
How does the average salary compare nationally?
The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Virginia is $42,350, which is slightly higher than the national average of $41,160.
What is the concentration of these jobs in West Virginia?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.68, indicating that these occupations are less prevalent in West Virginia compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5, West Virginia's lower cost of living means that the $42,350 salary offers greater purchasing power than it would in a higher-cost area.
What does the job market size indicate?
The total local workforce of 1,360 suggests a moderate-sized job market for these occupations within the state, offering specialized employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 1.945 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Virginia