Firefighter Salary in West Virginia
Firefighter pay in West Virginia, explained
Firefighters in West Virginia earn a median of $37,350 per year ($17.96 per hour), which is 37% below the national median of $59,280. Entry-level workers earn around $29,020, while the most experienced firefighters reach about $51,390. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within West Virginia.
Is $37,350 good pay in West Virginia?
Adjusted for West Virginia's cost of living (which runs 90% of the U.S. average), that $37,350 is worth about $41,733 in national buying power — ranking West Virginia #45 for real pay (vs #47 on the sticker number).
Firefighter pay by experience in West Virginia
Firefighter pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs WV |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (here) | $37,350 | $41,733 | — |
| Maryland | $73,810 | $70,323 | −$36,460 |
| Pennsylvania | $73,460 | $75,288 | −$36,110 |
| Ohio | $59,370 | $63,994 | −$22,020 |
| Virginia | $58,670 | $58,029 | −$21,320 |
| Kentucky | $37,150 | $41,205 | +$200 |
Firefighter in West Virginia: FAQ
How much do firefighters make in West Virginia?
Firefighters in West Virginia earn a median of $37,350 per year ($17.96 per hour), compared with $59,280 nationally.
Does West Virginia pay firefighters well?
At $37,350, West Virginia pays 37% below the national median for firefighters. An estimated 900 work in the state.