West Virginia ranks 46th of 50 states and D.C. for firefighters pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($93,490) by $51,990 — a 125% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,280 to $59,770 — a $30,490 spread, 54% tighter than the national $66,840 range.
Firefighters are less concentrated in West Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.69 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.45× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,280 | $14.08 |
| 25th percentile | $35,600 | $17.12 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $41,500 | $19.95 |
| 75th percentile | $51,440 | $24.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,770 | $28.74 |
| Mean (average) | $44,450 | $21.37 |
How West Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (current) | $41,500 | n/a |
| Washington | $93,490 | +125% |
| New York | $88,380 | +113% |
| New Jersey | $87,660 | +111% |
| California | $83,400 | +101% |
| District of Columbia | $79,430 | +91% |
| Illinois | $79,080 | +91% |
| Connecticut | $77,660 | +87% |
| Colorado | $76,560 | +84% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in West Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $41,600 | 270 |
| Printing Press Operators | $41,650 | 390 |
| Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | $41,290 | 410 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $40,930 | 1,620 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $42,080 | 410 |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $42,080 | 750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighters salary in West Virginia?
The mean firefighters salary in West Virginia is $44,450 per year. The median (middle) salary is $41,500 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Firefighters in West Virginia?
Entry-level firefighterss (10th percentile) in West Virginia typically earn around $29,280 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,600 per year.
What is the highest Firefighters salary in West Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in West Virginia make approximately $59,770 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $51,440 per year.
How does the West Virginia Firefighters salary compare to the national average?
The median firefighters salary in West Virginia is $41,500, which is -30% below national average of $59,530.