Healthcare Charleston, WV Pop. 48,006

Surgeon Salary in Charleston, West Virginia

The median surgeon salary in Charleston, WV is $219,395 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.9% above the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$219,395
vs State Avg
+$10,205
vs National
$-35,715
Cost of Living
88%

Surgeon Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median surgeon salary of $219,395, which is $10,205 above the West Virginia state average of $209,190. Compared to the national median of $255,110, 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 $219,395 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $249,313 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for surgeons seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surgeons in Charleston spans from $103,200 at the 10th percentile to $361,200 at the 90th percentile — a $258,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $111,800, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $344,000. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Surgeon Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level surgeon earns around $111,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $344,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$111,800
$-18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$223,600
$-36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$344,000
$-56,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $103,200
25th Percentile $150,500
Median (50th) $219,395
75th Percentile $301,000
90th Percentile $361,200

Surgeon Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$224,497
Pop. 30,955
Huntington, WV
$204,088
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$198,986
Pop. 29,675
Wheeling, WV
$193,884
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Surgeon in Charleston

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Charleston

Browse open surgeon positions in Charleston, WV:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Charleston

How much does a Surgeon make in Charleston, WV? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $219,395 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $103,200 (10th percentile) to $361,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $219,395, a surgeon in Charleston earns approximately $105 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Charleston's median surgeon salary of $219,395 is 4.9% above the West Virginia state average of $209,190. 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 surgeon salary of $219,395 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Charleston? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Charleston require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.