Police Officer Salary in West Virginia
Based on 3K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$56,960
$27.38/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-23.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $70K
3K employed in West Virginia
The median Police Officer salary in West Virginia is $56,960 per year, which equates to approximately $27 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, with West Virginia officers earning 23.2% less. Currently, around 2,900 individuals are employed as police officers in the state.
Several factors influence the Police Officer salary in West Virginia. These can include years of experience, the specific law enforcement agency (city, county, or state), additional certifications, and the cost of living in different areas within the state. Higher-ranking positions or specialized units may also command a higher salary.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,950 |
| 25th percentile | $48,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,960 |
| 75th percentile | $61,330 |
| 90th percentile | $69,980 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in West Virginia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,669 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,960 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,669 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $69,980 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to Police Officer ($56,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in WV | $37,350 | -34.4% | $17.96/hr |
| Security Guard in WV | $28,800 | -49.4% | $13.85/hr |
| Plumber in WV | $56,980 | +0.0% | $27.39/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in WV | $56,730 | -0.4% | $27.27/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in WV | $57,210 | +0.4% | $27.50/hr |
| Editor in WV | $56,630 | -0.6% | $27.23/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in WV | $56,610 | -0.6% | $27.22/hr |
| Credit Analyst in WV | $57,320 | +0.6% | $27.56/hr |
| Loan Officer in WV | $57,580 | +1.1% | $27.68/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in WV | $55,630 | -2.3% | $26.75/hr |
| School Counselor in WV | $55,520 | -2.5% | $26.69/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in WV | $55,360 | -2.8% | $26.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police Officer salary in West Virginia?
- The median salary for a Police Officer in West Virginia is $56,960 annually, or about $27 per hour. This median reflects the midpoint of all salaries earned by police officers in the state.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in West Virginia?
- The salary range for Police Officers in West Virginia typically falls between $41,950 and $69,980 per year. This means that most officers earn within this bracket, with some earning less and some earning more.
How does the Police Officer salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in West Virginia are significantly lower than the national average, by approximately 23.2%. For example, if the national median is $X, West Virginia officers are earning around $56,960.
How many Police Officers are employed in West Virginia?
- There are approximately 2,900 police officers employed across West Virginia. This number represents the total workforce in this profession within the state.