In the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $39,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $45,460, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and funding priorities within this region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital community positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,530.
- Outlook: The job market for Social and Human Service Assistants in Southern West Virginia is characterized by a substantial local workforce of 670 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 3.28, this region demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of these roles than the national average, indicating a robust and established demand within the community. The presence of 9.011 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance and prevalence of these services locally.
Salary Overview
The average Social and Human Service Assistants in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-13.9%below the national average.
$18.8
$752
$3,260
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Social and Human Service Assistants over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, increased awareness of social needs, and potential adjustments to minimum wage laws likely contribute to incremental salary increases, aiming to keep pace with inflation and the evolving demands of the profession.
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants typically involves a discernible salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as individuals gain expertise and take on more complex responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $27,360 | $13.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $29,340 | $14.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $37,860 | $18.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $48,900 | $23.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $55,530 | $26.7 |
Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $39,120 for Social and Human Service Assistants in Southern West Virginia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of this salary is comparable to the national standard, suggesting that the income provides a similar standard of living as it would in an average U.S. location, without the added financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
670
Total Jobs
9.011
Per 1K Jobs
3.28
Location Quotient
Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 3.3x the national concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.28 for Social and Human Service Assistants in Southern West Virginia indicates a highly concentrated job market. This significantly above-average concentration suggests that the demand for these professionals is disproportionately high in this region compared to the rest of the country. Consequently, while there is a strong local presence of these roles, the competitive landscape for job seekers might be influenced by the number of available positions relative to the number of qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social and Human Service Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $45,990↑ 18% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $44,530↑ 14% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $41,880↑ 7% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $42,070↑ 8% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $39,250↑ 0% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Social and Human Service Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $39,120. This typically ranges from $27,360 for entry-level positions to $55,530 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 13.9% lower than the national median of $45,460.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $39,120 is significantly lower than the national average of $45,460, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?
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 ($45,990) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants compare nationally?
The local concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.28, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.0, indicating a much greater prevalence of these roles in Southern West Virginia.
What is the total number of Social and Human Service Assistants in this region?
There are approximately 670 Social and Human Service Assistants employed in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Southern West Virginia compare to the national average?
The cost of living in Southern West Virginia is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
Are there many job opportunities for Social and Human Service Assistants in this area?
With 9.011 jobs per 1,000 workers and a high Location Quotient, there is a substantial number of job opportunities relative to the national average, suggesting a strong local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 9.011 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Social and Human Service Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area