Civil Engineer Salary in Charleston, WV: $79,147 (2026)

Civil Engineer Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median civil engineer salary of $79,147, which is $3,597 above the West Virginia state average of $75,550. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $79,147 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for civil engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for civil engineers in Charleston spans from $53,152 at the 10th percentile to $121,968 at the 90th percentile — a $68,816 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,560, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,400. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Civil Engineer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$54,560

$-7,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$79,200

$-10,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$114,400

$-15,600 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$53,152	$50,736	$60,400
25th Percentile	$64,416	$61,488	$73,200
Median (50th)	$79,147	$75,550	$89,940
75th Percentile	$100,320	$95,760	$114,000
90th Percentile	$121,968	$116,424	$138,600

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$53,152

25th Percentile

$64,416

Median (50th)

$79,147

75th Percentile

$100,320

90th Percentile

$121,968

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median civil engineer salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $79,147 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $53,152 (10th percentile) to $121,968 (90th percentile).

How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $79,147, a civil engineer in Charleston earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for civil engineer pay? ▼

Charleston's median civil engineer salary of $79,147 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $75,550. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $79,147 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Charleston? ▼

Most civil engineer positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Civil Engineer Salary in Charleston, West Virginia