Trades & Labor West Virginia (WV) Rank #48 of 50

Plumber Salary in West Virginia

The median plumber salary in West Virginia is $51,497 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $59,880.

Median Salary
$51,497
vs National
$-8,383
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Plumber Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #48 out of 50 states for plumber compensation. Plumber salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,497 per year, plumbers in West Virginia earn $8,383 less than the national median of $59,880.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $51,497 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,306 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: plumbers at the 10th percentile earn $31,304, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,312 — a $54,008 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 $55,090.

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for plumbers across the country.

Plumber Salary in West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level plumber earns around $29,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,240
$-4,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,120
$-12,880 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $51,497? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $39,388
Median (50th) $51,497
75th Percentile $67,252
90th Percentile $85,312

Plumber Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for plumbers 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 Plumber in West Virginia

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. West Virginia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook in West Virginia

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). West Virginia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 499,800 other Plumbers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Plumber Roles in West Virginia?

Get matched with recruiters hiring plumbers in West Virginia at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Plumber make in West Virginia? ▼
The median plumber salary in West Virginia is $51,497 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $85,312 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,497, a plumber in West Virginia earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for plumbers? ▼
West Virginia ranks #48 out of 50 states for plumber pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level plumbers earn $29,240, while senior professionals earn $79,120.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for plumber salary? ▼
The highest paying state for plumbers is Hawaii at $106,586. West Virginia's median of $51,497 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($52,096) and Kentucky ($52,096).
What is the entry-level plumber salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level plumber in West Virginia earns approximately $29,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,120.
What city in West Virginia pays plumbers the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for plumbers, with a median salary of $55,090. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.