Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Charleston, WV
In Charleston, WV, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $71,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of related industries in Charleston likely influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $112,590.
- Outlook: Charleston, WV supports a local workforce of 1,380 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With 12.964 jobs per 1,000 workers, this sector demonstrates a presence that exceeds the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.38. This suggests a relatively robust demand for these specialized skills within the Charleston area, pointing towards a stable job market for science professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Charleston, WV earns-22.2%below the national average.
$34.4
$1,375
$5,957
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston's science sector is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This anticipated upward trajectory in compensation is often driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized skills, and advancements in scientific fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Charleston, WV
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Charleston, WV, typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior roles, requiring extensive experience and specialized expertise, command higher salaries. The percentile gaps between different experience levels underscore the potential for substantial career and financial advancement within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $38,030 | $18.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,610 | $25.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,020 | $30.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,350 | $43 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $112,590 | $54.1 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $71,480 in Charleston, WV, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to Charleston for these roles offers a cost of living that is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,380
Total Jobs
12.964
Per 1K Jobs
1.38
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.38, Charleston, WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.38, Charleston, WV, shows a higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market in Charleston is relatively more specialized in these fields than the typical U.S. metropolitan area. While this suggests a potentially competitive environment for job seekers, it also signifies a strong local ecosystem and demand for these particular scientific professions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,370↑ 1% | 44 mi |
| Beckley, WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $70,750↓ 1% | 46 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,220↑ 7% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston, WV
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Charleston, WV?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Charleston, WV is $71,480. This typically ranges from $38,030 for entry-level positions to $112,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston, WV is 22.2% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Charleston, WV a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, but it offers equivalent purchasing power.While the average salary of $71,480 is below the national average, the cost of living in Charleston is also at the national average. This means your earnings will have the same purchasing power as they would nationally.
Is Charleston, WV a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH ($72,370) and Beckley, WV.
How does Charleston's science job market compare to the national average?
Charleston has a higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations professionals relative to its workforce size, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.38, suggesting a more specialized local market.
What is the total number of science-related jobs in Charleston, WV?
There are approximately 1,380 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Charleston, WV.
Does experience significantly impact salary for science roles in Charleston?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with senior positions offering substantially higher salaries than entry-level roles, reflecting a clear career progression path.
Is the cost of living in Charleston, WV higher or lower than the national average?
The cost of living in Charleston, WV, is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,380 employees in the Charleston, WV area with a job density of 12.964 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston, WV