Science & Research Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Chemist Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median chemist salary in Wheeling, WV is $64,576 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$64,576
vs State Avg
$-4,968
vs National
$-18,214
Cost of Living
78%

Chemist Pay in Wheeling: What to Expect (2026)

Wheeling offers a median chemist salary of $64,576, which is $4,968 below the West Virginia state average of $69,544. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $64,576 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Wheeling spans from $37,440 at the 10th percentile to $110,760 at the 90th percentile — a $73,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,300. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level chemist earns around $39,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,000
$-11,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
$-18,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,300
$-29,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $37,440
25th Percentile $48,360
Median (50th) $64,576
75th Percentile $85,020
90th Percentile $110,760

Chemist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$74,511
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$72,855
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$67,888
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$66,232
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Chemist in Wheeling

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wheeling may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open chemist positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Chemist make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median chemist salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $64,576 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $37,440 (10th percentile) to $110,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,576, a chemist 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 chemist pay? ▼
Wheeling's median chemist salary of $64,576 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $69,544. 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 chemist salary of $64,576 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Wheeling? ▼
Most chemist positions in Wheeling require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.