Public Service West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in West Virginia

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in West Virginia is $66,142 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,740.

Median Salary
$66,142
vs National
$-12,598
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for occupational health & safety specialist compensation. Occupational Health & Safety Specialist salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,142 per year, occupational health & safety specialists in West Virginia earn $12,598 less than the national median of $78,740.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $66,142 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $78,740 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: occupational health & safety specialists at the 10th percentile earn $40,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $102,480 — a $62,160 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 $70,866.

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for occupational health & safety specialists across the country.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,120 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$99,120
$-18,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $40,320
25th Percentile $52,080
Median (50th) $66,142
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $102,480

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for occupational health & safety specialists 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 Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in West Virginia

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. West Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook in West Virginia

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% 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: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in West Virginia? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in West Virginia is $66,142 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $40,320 (10th percentile) to $102,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,142, a occupational health & safety specialist in West Virginia earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for occupational health & safety specialists? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for occupational health & safety specialist pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level occupational health & safety specialists earn $42,000, while senior professionals earn $99,120.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for occupational health & safety specialist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for occupational health & safety specialists is Hawaii at $133,858. West Virginia's median of $66,142 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($67,716) and Arkansas ($66,142).
What is the entry-level occupational health & safety specialist salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level occupational health & safety specialist in West Virginia earns approximately $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $99,120.
What city in West Virginia pays occupational health & safety specialists the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for occupational health & safety specialists, with a median salary of $70,866. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.