In the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $76,180. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure for these specialized roles within this specific geographic area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $76,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $110,140.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southern West Virginia is characterized by a modest workforce of 510 individuals. The location quotient of 0.73 suggests that these occupations are slightly less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally robust demand within this nonmetropolitan region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-17.1%below the national average.
$36.6
$1,465
$6,348
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 Southern West Virginia have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. This steady, albeit potentially modest, increase would reflect ongoing demand and the evolving nature of scientific and research fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior scientists and specialists with extensive experience and advanced degrees can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the substantial career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,560 | $19 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $57,135 | $27.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $71,390 | $34.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $95,225 | $45.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $110,140 | $53 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$76,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $76,180 in Southern West Virginia aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
6.89
Per 1K Jobs
0.73
Location Quotient
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.73x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a location quotient of 0.73, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southern West Virginia is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field is not a dominant sector in the region, potentially leading to a more specialized and competitive environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,120↑ 4% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $88,970↑ 17% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,990↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $76,720↑ 1% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $90,330↑ 19% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $76,180. This typically ranges from $39,560 for entry-level positions to $110,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 17.1% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $76,180 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, despite a neutral cost of living.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($79,120) and Richmond, VA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 6.89 jobs per 1,000 workers, this indicates a moderate presence of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the local workforce, slightly below what might be expected in more concentrated national areas.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 0.73?
An LQ of 0.73 means that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 27% less concentrated in Southern West Virginia compared to the national average, suggesting fewer specialized roles relative to the overall workforce.
Does the cost of living impact the perceived salary?
Yes, the cost of living index of 100 means that the $76,180 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making the lower nominal pay more palatable locally.
What does the total local workforce number suggest?
A total local workforce of 510 for these occupations indicates a relatively small and specialized segment of the regional economy, impacting job availability and competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.89 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 Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area