Creative & Education Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Social Worker Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median social worker salary in Parkersburg, WV is $44,280 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$44,280
vs State Avg
$-2,214
vs National
$-11,070
Cost of Living
80%

Social Worker Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median social worker salary of $44,280, which is $2,214 below the West Virginia state average of $46,494. Compared to the national median of $55,350, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Parkersburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $44,280 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Parkersburg an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Parkersburg spans from $29,120 at the 10th percentile to $70,240 at the 90th percentile — a $41,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,400, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $65,600. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, an entry-level social worker earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-7,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,600
$-16,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Parkersburg, WV

Percentile Parkersburg
10th Percentile $29,120
25th Percentile $35,360
Median (50th) $44,280
75th Percentile $56,320
90th Percentile $70,240

Social Worker Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$49,815
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$48,708
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$45,387
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$43,173
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Social Worker in Parkersburg

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Parkersburg and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Parkersburg may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open social worker positions in Parkersburg, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Social Worker make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median social worker salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia is $44,280 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $70,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,280, a social worker in Parkersburg earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for social worker pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median social worker salary of $44,280 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $46,494. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a social worker salary of $44,280 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Parkersburg? ▼
Most social worker positions in Parkersburg require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.