Engineering West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in West Virginia

The median chemical engineer salary in West Virginia is $89,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$89,258
vs National
$-17,002
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. Chemical Engineer salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $89,258 per year, chemical engineers in West Virginia earn $17,002 less than the national median of $106,260.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $89,258 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $106,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $57,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $144,480 — a $87,360 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 $95,634.

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

Chemical Engineer Salary in West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $58,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,080 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,720
$-17,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,080
$-25,920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $57,120
25th Percentile $70,560
Median (50th) $89,258
75th Percentile $115,920
90th Percentile $144,480

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers 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 Chemical Engineer in West Virginia

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. West Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in West Virginia

Nationally, chemical engineer 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: Chemical Engineer Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in West Virginia? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in West Virginia is $89,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $57,120 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,258, a chemical engineer in West Virginia earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $58,800, while senior professionals earn $136,080.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. West Virginia's median of $89,258 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($91,384) and Arkansas ($89,258).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in West Virginia earns approximately $58,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $90,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $136,080.
What city in West Virginia pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $95,634. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.