Engineering West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in West Virginia

The median civil engineer salary in West Virginia is $75,550 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$75,550
vs National
$-14,390
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Civil Engineer salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $75,550 per year, civil engineers in West Virginia earn $14,390 less than the national median of $89,940.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $75,550 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $89,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $50,736, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $116,424 — a $65,688 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 $80,946.

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for civil engineers across the country.

Civil Engineer Salary in West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $52,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,200 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,080
$-9,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
$-14,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,200
$-20,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $50,736
25th Percentile $61,488
Median (50th) $75,550
75th Percentile $95,760
90th Percentile $116,424

Civil Engineer Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for civil 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 Civil Engineer in West Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in West Virginia

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% 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: Civil Engineer Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Civil Engineer make in West Virginia? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in West Virginia is $75,550 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $50,736 (10th percentile) to $116,424 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,550, a civil engineer in West Virginia earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for civil engineers? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $52,080, while senior professionals earn $109,200.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. West Virginia's median of $75,550 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($77,348) and Arkansas ($75,550).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in West Virginia earns approximately $52,080 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $75,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,200.
What city in West Virginia pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for civil engineers, with a median salary of $80,946. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.