SOC 41-2031 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Retail Salespersons — Northern West Virginia
Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area · 7 metro areas compared
In Northern West Virginia, WV the median wage is $28,980.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In Northern West Virginia, WV the median wage is $28,980. That is 18.2% lower than the national median of $35,410. Pay ranges from under $22,210 at the tenth percentile to more than $37,750 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $24,520 to $35,060.
The area has 3,530 jobs in this occupation, giving a location quotient of 0.97 — a measure of how concentrated the occupation is here relative to the country as a whole. Within the state, Wheeling records the highest median at $29,370. Of the 392 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 361st.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $22,210 | −37.3% |
| 25th | $24,520 | −30.8% |
| Median (50th) | $28,980 | −18.2% |
| 75th | $35,060 | −1.0% |
| 90th | $37,750 | +6.6% |
| Mean | $30,820 | −13.0% |
Other metro areas in West Virginia
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wheeling | $29,370 | 1,960 | |
| 2 | Charleston | $29,050 | 2,650 | |
| 3 | Morgantown | $28,570 | 2,090 | |
| 4 | Huntington | $28,220 | 4,290 | |
| 5 | Parkersburg | $28,220 | 1,580 | |
| 6 | Weirton | $27,640 | 940 | |
| 7 | Beckley | $27,630 | 1,410 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Northern West Virginia run 10.5% below the national average, so the median of $28,980 goes as far as $32,380 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 8.6% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$28,980as reported by BLSLocal price level
89.5US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$32,380US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $28,980 a year, 18.2% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $22,210 to $37,750 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 3,530 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Wheeling, at $29,370.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Retail Salespersons in Northern West Virginia, WV?
The median annual wage is $28,980, or $13.93 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $35,410, so pay in Northern West Virginia, WV is 18.2% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Northern West Virginia, WV earns more than $37,750 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $22,210 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Wheeling, at $29,370 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 3,530 jobs in this occupation in Northern West Virginia, WV. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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