Social Worker Salary in West Virginia
Social Worker pay in West Virginia, explained
Social workers in West Virginia earn a median of $52,220 per year ($25.11 per hour), which is 12% below the national median of $59,550. Entry-level workers earn around $38,410, while the most experienced social workers reach about $66,980. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within West Virginia.
Is $52,220 good pay in West Virginia?
Adjusted for West Virginia's cost of living (which runs 90% of the U.S. average), that $52,220 is worth about $58,348 in national buying power — ranking West Virginia #34 for real pay (vs #36 on the sticker number).
Social Worker pay by experience in West Virginia
Social Worker pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs WV |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (here) | $52,220 | $58,348 | — |
| Maryland | $76,390 | $72,781 | −$24,170 |
| Virginia | $61,330 | $60,660 | −$9,110 |
| Kentucky | $59,100 | $65,551 | −$6,880 |
| Ohio | $51,520 | $55,533 | +$700 |
| Pennsylvania | $50,820 | $52,085 | +$1,400 |
Social Worker in West Virginia: FAQ
How much do social workers make in West Virginia?
Social workers in West Virginia earn a median of $52,220 per year ($25.11 per hour), compared with $59,550 nationally.
Does West Virginia pay social workers well?
At $52,220, West Virginia pays 12% below the national median for social workers. An estimated 2,380 work in the state.