Salary distribution
Where West Virginia firefighters fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $35,600 and $51,440, with a median of $41,500.
Firefighters 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
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.5 / 5
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Education and Training
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
- 02
Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
- 03
Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios.
- 04
Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
- 05
Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
- 06
Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters.
- 07
Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
- 08
Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+3.4%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Firefighters in West Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Firefighters in West Virginia is $41,500.
- How does West Virginia compare to the national median for Firefighters?
- The West Virginia median is -32.4% versus the BLS national figure of $61,399.
- What is the salary range for Firefighters in West Virginia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $29,280 and the 90th-percentile at $59,770, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Firefighters a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 3.4% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Firefighters?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. 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.