Creative & Education West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Archivist Salary in West Virginia

The median archivist salary in West Virginia is $49,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $58,640.

Median Salary
$49,258
vs National
$-9,382
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Archivist Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for archivist compensation. Archivist salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $49,258 per year, archivists in West Virginia earn $9,382 less than the national median of $58,640.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $49,258 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $58,640 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: archivists at the 10th percentile earn $30,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $78,960 — a $48,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in West Virginia for this role is Morgantown, where the median reaches $52,776.

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for archivists across the country.

Archivist Salary in West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level archivist earns around $31,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,920
$-6,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
$-14,080 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $30,240
25th Percentile $38,640
Median (50th) $49,258
75th Percentile $63,840
90th Percentile $78,960

Archivist Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for archivists in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Archivist in West Virginia

Education

Most archivist positions require a master's degree. West Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Archival ScienceCatalogingDigital PreservationResearchDatabase ManagementMetadata

Job Outlook in West Virginia

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). West Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Archivist Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Archivist make in West Virginia? ▼
The median archivist salary in West Virginia is $49,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $58,640. Salaries range from $30,240 (10th percentile) to $78,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Archivist make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,258, a archivist in West Virginia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for archivists? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for archivist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level archivists earn $31,920, while senior professionals earn $73,920.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for archivist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for archivists is Hawaii at $99,688. West Virginia's median of $49,258 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($50,430) and Arkansas ($49,258).
What is the entry-level archivist salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level archivist in West Virginia earns approximately $31,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,920.
What city in West Virginia pays archivists the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for archivists, with a median salary of $52,776. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.