Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Morgantown, WV
In Morgantown, WV, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $80,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Morgantown labor market for these specialized roles. The local economic landscape and industry concentration play a significant role in shaping compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $132,580.
- Outlook: Morgantown supports a local workforce of 1,020 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.62, indicating a concentration 62% higher than the national average, this sector demonstrates a robust presence and likely sustained demand within the region. The substantial number of jobs per 1,000 workers (15.177) further underscores the importance and relative abundance of these roles in the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Morgantown, WV earns-12.2%below the national average.
$38.8
$1,551
$6,719
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Morgantown have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation in scientific and research fields. This upward trajectory is often driven by advancements in technology, evolving research methodologies, and a persistent need for skilled professionals across various sectors.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Morgantown, WV
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Morgantown typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of the substantial career growth and earning potential available as individuals advance in their careers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,970 | $19.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $60,473 | $29.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $72,610 | $34.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $100,788 | $48.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $132,580 | $63.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$80,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $80,630 in Morgantown aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Morgantown is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals in these fields without the premium often associated with higher-cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
1,020
Total Jobs
15.177
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Morgantown, WV has 1.6x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Morgantown's Location Quotient of 1.62 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations signifies a strong regional specialization. This concentration suggests that the job market is more robust and potentially more competitive than the national average, with employers likely seeking candidates with specific local expertise or those who can contribute to established research and development ecosystems within the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling, WV-OH Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,950↓ 7% | 50 mi |
| Pittsburgh, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $78,890↓ 2% | 55 mi |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,640↓ 7% | 62 mi |
| Johnstown, PA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,590↓ 10% | 72 mi |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,220↓ 5% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Morgantown, WV
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Morgantown, WV?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Morgantown, WV is $80,630. This typically ranges from $40,970 for entry-level positions to $132,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Morgantown, WV is 12.2% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Morgantown, WV a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
No, not when compared to the national average.While the average salary of $80,630 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $91,840. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is equivalent.
Is Morgantown, WV a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Morgantown, WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Morgantown, WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wheeling, WV-OH ($74,950) and Pittsburgh, PA.
How does Morgantown's salary for these roles compare to the national average?
The average annual salary in Morgantown is $80,630, which is lower than the national average of $91,840 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Morgantown?
Morgantown has a higher concentration of these roles, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.62, meaning it is 62% more concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Morgantown affect the salary?
Morgantown's cost of living is exactly at the national average (100), so the $80,630 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What does the workforce size and concentration suggest about job opportunities?
A local workforce of 1,020 and a high Location Quotient suggest a significant and relatively concentrated job market for these occupations in Morgantown.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the Morgantown, WV area with a job density of 15.177 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 Morgantown, WV