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Average Nursing Assistants Salary in West Virginia

Nursing Assistants in West Virginia earn an average annual salary of $36,320, which is below the national average of $41,050. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector, and the overall cost of living, which can impact wage structures.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $36,320 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,210.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,860 Nursing Assistants, West Virginia demonstrates a substantial presence in this vital healthcare role. The Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for Nursing Assistants within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$36,320

The average Nursing Assistants in West Virginia earns-11.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$17.5

Weekly

$698

Monthly

$3,027

Nursing Assistants Salary Distribution in West Virginia

Career progression for Nursing Assistants typically involves gaining experience, which directly correlates with salary increases. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized Nursing Assistants with extensive experience and potentially additional certifications can command higher salaries, reflecting the value of their expertise and tenure.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$29,850$14.4
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$27,240$13.1
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$36,340$17.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$45,400$21.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$42,210$20.3

Detailed Nursing Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$36,320

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$41,040

Adjusted for COL (88.5)

The average annual salary of $36,320 in West Virginia should be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 88.5. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively better purchasing power for residents compared to areas with a higher cost of living, making the take-home pay more substantial locally.

Job Market Context

8,860

Total Jobs

12.633

Per 1K Jobs

1.4

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.40, West Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Nursing Assistants roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.4 signifies that West Virginia has 40% more Nursing Assistant jobs per worker than the national average. This suggests a market where these professionals are in relatively higher demand and potentially face less competition for available positions compared to other states, offering a favorable environment for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Nursing Assistants

CitySalaryDist.
Charleston, WV Nursing Assistants Salary$35,040↓ 4%38 mi
Beckley, WV Nursing Assistants Salary$34,470↓ 5%50 mi
Parkersburg-Vienna, WV Nursing Assistants Salary$35,690↓ 2%62 mi
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Nursing Assistants Salary$35,880↓ 1%80 mi
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Nursing Assistants Salary$38,110↑ 5%92 mi

Comparing salaries near West Virginia

Hiring Nursing Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Nursing Assistants make in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistants in West Virginia is $36,320. This typically ranges from $29,850 for entry-level positions to $42,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 11.5% lower than the national median of $41,050.

Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Nursing Assistants?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $36,320 is below the national average, West Virginia's lower cost of living (88.5 index) means the nominal salary can provide a reasonable standard of living.

Is West Virginia a good place to live for Nursing Assistants?

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 ($35,040) and Beckley, WV.

How does West Virginia's Nursing Assistant job market compare nationally?

West Virginia has a higher concentration of Nursing Assistant jobs than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.4, suggesting strong local demand.

What is the average salary for a Nursing Assistant in West Virginia?

The average annual salary for a Nursing Assistant in West Virginia is $36,320.

Is the cost of living in West Virginia high?

No, West Virginia has a Cost of Living Index of 88.5, which is below the national average of 100, indicating a more affordable living environment.

How many Nursing Assistants work in West Virginia?

There are approximately 8,860 Nursing Assistants employed 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 8,860 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 12.633 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Nursing Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Virginia