What the numbers say
The median Civil Engineer in West Virginia earned $88,200 in 2024, about 8% below the US median of $96,198. That gap is smaller than it looks once you account for the cost of living. West Virginia's price level runs roughly 12.5% below the national average, so that $88,200 buys closer to $100,800 in national-baseline dollars. In real purchasing terms, the state holds its own.
The spread from bottom to top earners is wide. Entry-level positions at the 10th percentile landed around $48,740, while experienced engineers at the 90th percentile reached $134,300. Top earners make nearly three times what the lowest-paid engineers take home. That range reflects how much seniority and project type matter in this field, from inspecting local road repairs to overseeing large infrastructure contracts.
Employment sits at around 1,560 Civil Engineers across the state. West Virginia's economy leans heavily on transportation, energy, and water infrastructure, the kinds of projects that keep demand for this role relatively steady regardless of broader market swings.
BLS projects 5% job growth for Civil Engineers nationally between 2024 and 2034, which puts it in the faster-than-average category. The state-level trajectory tends to track federal infrastructure spending closely, and West Virginia has been an active recipient of infrastructure funding in recent years.
Salary distribution
Where West Virginia civil engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $62,410 and $113,730, with a median of $88,200.
Civil Engineers pay by experience level in West Virginia
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in West Virginia over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
- 02
Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
- 03
Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- 04
Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- 05
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
- 06
Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
- 07
Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
- 08
Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+5.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Civil Engineers in West Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Civil Engineers in West Virginia is $88,200.
- How does West Virginia compare to the national median for Civil Engineers?
- The West Virginia median is -8.3% versus the BLS national figure of $96,198.
- What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in West Virginia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $48,740 and the 90th-percentile at $134,300, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Civil Engineers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 5.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Civil Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.