Science & Research Charleston, WV Pop. 48,006

Environmental Scientist Salary in Charleston, West Virginia

The median environmental scientist salary in Charleston, WV is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$67,346
vs State Avg
+$3,061
vs National
$-9,184
Cost of Living
88%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median environmental scientist salary of $67,346, which is $3,061 above the West Virginia state average of $64,285. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $67,346 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Charleston spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $68,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $51,920
Median (50th) $67,346
75th Percentile $87,120
90th Percentile $110,880

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$68,877
Pop. 30,955
Huntington, WV
$62,755
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$61,224
Pop. 29,675
Wheeling, WV
$59,693
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

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

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Charleston

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Charleston, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Charleston

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Charleston, WV? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $67,346 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,346, a environmental scientist in Charleston earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Charleston's median environmental scientist salary of $67,346 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $64,285. 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 environmental scientist salary of $67,346 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Charleston? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.