Physicist Salary in Charleston, West Virginia
The median physicist salary in Charleston, WV is $134,138 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the West Virginia state average.
Physicist Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)
Charleston offers a median physicist salary of $134,138, which is $6,097 above the West Virginia state average of $128,041. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $134,138 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physicists in Charleston spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $209,440 at the 90th percentile — a $140,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,160, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $193,600. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Physicist Salary in Charleston by Experience
In Charleston, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV
| Percentile | Charleston |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $134,138 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $209,440 |
Physicist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Charleston
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist 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.
Find Physicist Jobs in Charleston
Browse open physicist positions in Charleston, WV: