Business & Finance Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Economist Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median economist salary in Wheeling, WV is $88,873 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 7.1% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$88,873
vs State Avg
$-6,837
vs National
$-25,067
Cost of Living
78%

Economist Pay in Wheeling: What to Expect (2026)

Wheeling offers a median economist salary of $88,873, which is $6,837 below the West Virginia state average of $95,710. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $88,873 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Wheeling an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Wheeling spans from $48,360 at the 10th percentile to $154,440 at the 90th percentile — a $106,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,700, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,300. Wheeling is a smaller market (pop. 26,711), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level economist earns around $50,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,700
$-14,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,700
$-25,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,300
$-40,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $48,360
25th Percentile $63,960
Median (50th) $88,873
75th Percentile $120,900
90th Percentile $154,440

Economist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$102,546
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$100,267
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$93,431
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$91,152
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Economist in Wheeling

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wheeling may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open economist positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Economist make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median economist salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $88,873 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $48,360 (10th percentile) to $154,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,873, a economist in Wheeling earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for economist pay? ▼
Wheeling's median economist salary of $88,873 is 7.1% below the West Virginia state average of $95,710. 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 economist salary of $88,873 in Wheeling has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Wheeling? ▼
Most economist positions in Wheeling require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.