Lawyer Salary in West Virginia
Based on 2K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$102,420
$49.24/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-24.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $206K
2K employed in West Virginia
The median Lawyer salary in West Virginia stands at $102,420 annually, placing it 24% below the national average. With an estimated 2,440 legal professionals employed in the state, this figure represents a significant portion of the legal landscape. The salary range for lawyers in West Virginia spans from $64,950 to $206,370, indicating a broad spectrum of earning potential.
Several factors influence the Lawyer salary in West Virginia. Experience level, specialization within law, the size and type of firm, and geographic location within the state all play a crucial role. Attorneys in urban centers or those with highly sought-after expertise typically command higher salaries compared to those in rural areas or general practice.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,950 |
| 25th percentile | $80,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,420 |
| 75th percentile | $145,270 |
| 90th percentile | $206,370 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in West Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,690 |
| 2023 | $100,810 |
| 2024 | $102,240 |
| 2025 | $102,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,600 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | West Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $103,690 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $100,810 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $102,240 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $102,420 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,600 | $134,949 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $145,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $206,370 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to Lawyer ($102,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title Examiner in WV | $77,230 | -24.6% | $37.13/hr |
| Paralegal in WV | $59,000 | -42.4% | $28.37/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in WV | $52,120 | -49.1% | $25.06/hr |
| Marketing Manager in WV | $98,750 | -3.6% | $47.48/hr |
| Software Engineer in WV | $107,140 | +4.6% | $51.51/hr |
| Management Analyst in WV | $97,470 | -4.8% | $46.86/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in WV | $97,390 | -4.9% | $46.82/hr |
| Physical Therapist in WV | $96,600 | -5.7% | $46.44/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in WV | $108,360 | +5.8% | $52.10/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in WV | $96,190 | -6.1% | $46.25/hr |
| Construction Manager in WV | $95,740 | -6.5% | $46.03/hr |
| Sales Manager in WV | $94,830 | -7.4% | $45.59/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a lawyer in West Virginia?
- The median salary for lawyers in West Virginia is $102,420 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $49. The salary range can vary significantly, with most lawyers earning between $64,950 and $206,370 annually.
How does lawyer pay in West Virginia compare to the national average?
- Lawyers in West Virginia earn 24.0% less than the national average. This means that while the median salary here is $102,420 annually, the national median is considerably higher.
What is the salary range for lawyers in West Virginia?
- The salary range for lawyers in West Virginia is quite broad, from $64,950 on the lower end to $206,370 for top earners. The median salary sits at $102,420 per year.
How many lawyers are employed in West Virginia?
- There are approximately 2,440 lawyers employed in West Virginia. The median annual salary for these legal professionals is $102,420.