Paralegal Salary in West Virginia
Based on 2K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$59,000
$28.37/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-5.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $107K
2K employed in West Virginia
Understanding the Paralegal salary in West Virginia is key for those looking to enter or advance in the legal field. The median Paralegal salary in West Virginia currently stands at $59,000 per year, which is approximately 5% below the national average. This figure falls within a broad salary range, with most professionals earning between $35,770 and $107,310 annually, supporting a workforce of around 1,660 paralegals across the state.
Several factors contribute to the variation in Paralegal salary in West Virginia. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned professionals commanding higher incomes. Additionally, the specific type of legal practice, whether it's a large firm or a solo practitioner, and the geographic location within West Virginia can influence earning potential. Specialized skills and educational attainment also contribute to salary negotiations for paralegals.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,770 |
| 25th percentile | $41,410 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,000 |
| 75th percentile | $78,360 |
| 90th percentile | $107,310 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in West Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,990 |
| 2023 | $50,840 |
| 2024 | $49,620 |
| 2025 | $59,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,540 |
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 | $47,990 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $50,840 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $49,620 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $59,000 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,540 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $41,410 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $107,310 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to Paralegal ($59,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in WV | $102,420 | +73.6% | $49.24/hr |
| Title Examiner in WV | $77,230 | +30.9% | $37.13/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in WV | $52,120 | -11.7% | $25.06/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in WV | $58,960 | -0.1% | $28.35/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in WV | $59,050 | +0.1% | $28.39/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WV | $58,790 | -0.4% | $28.26/hr |
| Loan Officer in WV | $57,580 | -2.4% | $27.68/hr |
| Financial Examiner in WV | $60,590 | +2.7% | $29.13/hr |
| Credit Analyst in WV | $57,320 | -2.8% | $27.56/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in WV | $57,210 | -3.0% | $27.50/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in WV | $60,940 | +3.3% | $29.30/hr |
| Plumber in WV | $56,980 | -3.4% | $27.39/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a paralegal in West Virginia?
- The median salary for a paralegal in West Virginia is $59,000 per year, which equates to about $28 per hour. This median figure falls 5.0% below the national average for paralegal salaries.
How much can a paralegal in West Virginia expect to earn?
- Paralegals in West Virginia can expect to earn within a wide range, with the typical salary falling between $35,770 and $107,310 annually. The median annual income for the role is $59,000.
Is the salary for paralegals in West Virginia higher or lower than the national average?
- The salary for paralegals in West Virginia is 5.0% lower than the national average. This means that while the national median might be higher, West Virginia offers a competitive earning potential with a median of $59,000 per year.
How many paralegals are employed in West Virginia?
- There are approximately 1,660 paralegals employed in West Virginia. The median salary for these professionals is $59,000 annually, with a range from $35,770 to $107,310.