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Average Production Occupations Salary in West Virginia

Production Occupations in West Virginia command an average annual salary of $50,340, slightly surpassing the national average of $49,710. This favorable compensation can be attributed to the state's specific industrial landscape and the demand for skilled labor within its manufacturing and production sectors. The concentration of these roles within the state's economy plays a significant part in shaping local pay scales.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,990.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 35,530 individuals employed in Production Occupations, West Virginia demonstrates a solid presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that while production roles are slightly less concentrated than the national average, they still represent a significant and stable employment base. This indicates a consistent demand for these positions, underpinning the job market's robustness.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,340

The average Production Occupations in West Virginia earns+1.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.2

Weekly

$968

Monthly

$4,195

Production Occupations Salary Distribution in West Virginia

Career progression within Production Occupations in West Virginia typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, but with experience and the acquisition of specialized skills, individuals can advance to senior or supervisory roles. The widening percentile gaps in salary data clearly signify the substantial career growth and earning potential available to dedicated professionals in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$28,610$13.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,755$18.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,390$21.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$62,925$30.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$78,990$38

Detailed Production Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$56,881

Adjusted for COL (88.5)

The average annual salary of $50,340 in West Virginia presents a compelling financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.5. This index is notably below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a $50,340 salary extends further in West Virginia. This suggests that the nominal income translates into a higher real income, making the state an attractive option for those seeking financial advantages.

Job Market Context

35,530

Total Jobs

50.653

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

West Virginia has 0.89x the national average concentration of Production 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 0.89 for Production Occupations in West Virginia indicates that these jobs are slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market, where demand is present but not overwhelmingly saturated. While not a hub of extreme concentration, the steady presence of these roles implies a healthy and accessible job market for skilled production workers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Production Occupations

Comparing salaries near West Virginia

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Production Occupations make in West Virginia?

The median annual salary for a Production Occupations in West Virginia is $50,340. This typically ranges from $28,610 for entry-level positions to $78,990 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West Virginia is 1.3% higher than the national median of $49,710.

Is West Virginia a lucrative place for Production Occupations?

Yes, with a favorable cost of living.The average salary of $50,340 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is significantly lower than the national benchmark. This combination offers strong purchasing power for production professionals.

Is West Virginia a good place to live for Production 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 ($49,270) and Beckley, WV.

How does West Virginia's average production salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Production Occupations in West Virginia is $50,340, which is slightly higher than the national average of $49,710.

What is the concentration of Production Occupations in West Virginia?

West Virginia has a Location Quotient of 0.89 for Production Occupations, indicating that the jobs are slightly less concentrated than the national average but still represent a significant portion of the workforce.

How does the cost of living in West Virginia affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.5, West Virginia is more affordable than the national average. This means the $50,340 salary offers greater purchasing power to residents.

What is the total number of Production Occupations jobs in West Virginia?

There are approximately 35,530 individuals employed in Production Occupations within West Virginia, reflecting a substantial labor force in this sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 35,530 employees in the West Virginia area with a job density of 50.653 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.