Construction & Real Estate Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Architect Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median architect salary in Wheeling, WV is $64,615 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$64,615
vs State Avg
$-4,971
vs National
$-18,225
Cost of Living
78%

Architect Pay in Wheeling: What to Expect (2026)

Wheeling offers a median architect salary of $64,615, which is $4,971 below the West Virginia state average of $69,586. Compared to the national median of $82,840, Wheeling pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wheeling's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 78% of the national average. This means the $64,615 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,840 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for architects seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for architects in Wheeling spans from $39,000 at the 10th percentile to $115,440 at the 90th percentile — a $76,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,560, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,200. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Architect Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level architect earns around $40,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,560
$-11,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,300
$-18,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $39,000
25th Percentile $49,920
Median (50th) $64,615
75th Percentile $87,360
90th Percentile $115,440

Architect Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$74,556
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$72,899
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$67,929
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$66,272
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Architect in Wheeling

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Wheeling and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Wheeling may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open architect positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Architect make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median architect salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $64,615 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $39,000 (10th percentile) to $115,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,615, a architect in Wheeling earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for architect pay? ▼
Wheeling's median architect salary of $64,615 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $69,586. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a architect salary of $64,615 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Wheeling? ▼
Most architect positions in Wheeling require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.