College Professor Salary in Charleston, WV: $73,814 (2026)

College Professor Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median college professor salary of $73,814, which is $3,355 above the West Virginia state average of $70,459. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 $73,814 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Charleston spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $147,840 at the 90th percentile — a $108,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,800. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

College Professor Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level college professor earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,240

$-5,760 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$75,680

$-10,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$140,800

$-19,200 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$39,600	$37,800	$45,000
25th Percentile	$52,800	$50,400	$60,000
Median (50th)	$73,814	$70,459	$83,880
75th Percentile	$105,600	$100,800	$120,000
90th Percentile	$147,840	$141,120	$168,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$39,600

25th Percentile

$52,800

Median (50th)

$73,814

75th Percentile

$105,600

90th Percentile

$147,840

How to Become a College Professor in Charleston

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Charleston

How much does a College Professor make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median college professor salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $73,814 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $147,840 (90th percentile).

How much does a College Professor make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $73,814, a college professor in Charleston earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for college professor pay? ▼

Charleston's median college professor salary of $73,814 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $70,459. 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 college professor salary of $73,814 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Charleston? ▼

Most college professor positions in Charleston require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

College Professor Salary in Charleston, West Virginia