Lawyers in West Virginia. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median wage for Lawyers in West Virginia was $102,240 in 2024, about 32% below the national median of $149,496. That is one of the larger state-level gaps we see for this occupation across the country.
The spread within the state is wide. A lawyer at the 10th percentile earned around $60,860, while one at the 90th earned $197,630. Top earners make roughly three times what those starting out do. That range reflects real differences in practice area, firm size, and years in the field, not just a few outliers at the top.
West Virginia's cost of living sits well below the national average, at an index of 87.5 against a US baseline of 100. When we adjust the median wage for what that money actually buys locally, the $102,240 translates to purchasing power closer to $116,800 in national-baseline dollars. That narrows the gap with the national median considerably, though it does not close it.
BLS projects employment for Lawyers to grow 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, which falls into the average outlook category. With roughly 2,460 lawyers currently employed in the state, the workforce is smaller in scale than in neighboring states, and that affects how many firms and practice areas are available at any given seniority level.
Salary distribution
Where West Virginia lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $80,640 and $145,270, with a median of $102,420.
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Lawyers 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 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- 02
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- 03
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- 04
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- 05
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- 06
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- 07
Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
- 08
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.2%
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 Lawyers in West Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in West Virginia is $102,420.
- How does West Virginia compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The West Virginia median is -35.7% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in West Virginia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $64,950 and the 90th-percentile at $206,370, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Lawyers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Lawyers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional 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.