West Virginia ranks 38th of 50 states and D.C. for mental health and substance abuse social workers pay, trailing top-paying New York ($80,230) by $32,390 — a 68% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $32,940 to $72,140 — a $39,200 spread, 39% tighter than the national $64,510 range.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are less concentrated in West Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.68 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.47× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $32,940 | $15.84 |
| 25th percentile | $35,940 | $17.28 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| 75th percentile | $57,700 | $27.74 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,140 | $34.68 |
| Mean (average) | $49,250 | $23.68 |
How West Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (current) | $47,840 | n/a |
| New York | $80,230 | +68% |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | +65% |
| Minnesota | $77,100 | +61% |
| California | $75,320 | +57% |
| District of Columbia | $72,720 | +52% |
| Oregon | $71,830 | +50% |
| New Jersey | $70,420 | +47% |
| Hawaii | $70,340 | +47% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in West Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Machinists | $47,980 | 1,530 |
| Surgical Technologists | $47,700 | 720 |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $47,630 | 4,630 |
| Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers | $48,130 | 1,610 |
| Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | $47,530 | 290 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $48,180 | 110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in West Virginia?
The mean mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in West Virginia is $49,250 per year. The median (middle) salary is $47,840 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in West Virginia?
Entry-level mental health and substance abuse social workerss (10th percentile) in West Virginia typically earn around $32,940 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,940 per year.
What is the highest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in West Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in West Virginia make approximately $72,140 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $57,700 per year.
How does the West Virginia Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median mental health and substance abuse social workers salary in West Virginia is $47,840, which is -20% below national average of $60,060.