Project Manager Salary in Charleston, WV: $83,926 (2026)

Project Manager Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median project manager salary of $83,926, which is $3,815 above the West Virginia state average of $80,111. Compared to the national median of $95,370, 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 $83,926 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,370 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for project managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for project managers in Charleston spans from $49,456 at the 10th percentile to $140,008 at the 90th percentile — a $90,552 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior project managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,600. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Project Manager Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level project manager earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$51,040

$-6,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$84,480

$-11,520 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$127,600

$-17,400 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$49,456	$47,208	$56,200
25th Percentile	$64,240	$61,320	$73,000
Median (50th)	$83,926	$80,111	$95,370
75th Percentile	$110,880	$105,840	$126,000
90th Percentile	$140,008	$133,644	$159,100

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$49,456

25th Percentile

$64,240

Median (50th)

$83,926

75th Percentile

$110,880

90th Percentile

$140,008

How to Become a Project Manager in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, project manager 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Charleston

How much does a Project Manager make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median project manager salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $83,926 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $49,456 (10th percentile) to $140,008 (90th percentile).

How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $83,926, a project manager in Charleston earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for project manager pay? ▼

Charleston's median project manager salary of $83,926 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $80,111. 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 project manager salary of $83,926 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a project manager in Charleston? ▼

Most project manager positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agile/Scrum, Risk Management, Budgeting, Stakeholder Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Project Manager Salary in Charleston, West Virginia