Software Engineer Salary in Charleston, West Virginia
The median software engineer salary in Charleston, WV is $99,360 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 5.3% above the West Virginia state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)
Charleston offers a median software engineer salary of $99,360, which is $4,968 above the West Virginia state average of $94,392. Compared to the national median of $124,200, 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 $99,360 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $112,909 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for software engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for software engineers in Charleston spans from $59,680 at the 10th percentile to $158,864 at the 90th percentile — a $99,184 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,400, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,000. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Software Engineer Salary in Charleston by Experience
In Charleston, an entry-level software engineer earns around $62,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV
| Percentile | Charleston |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,560 |
| Median (50th) | $99,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $158,864 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other West Virginia Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Charleston
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Charleston
Browse open software engineer positions in Charleston, WV: