Cost of living

Cost of living in West Virginia: what jobs pay vs rent

Typical rent in West Virginia is about $848/mo (population-weighted Census gross rent, utilities included). Here's how 295 common jobs' estimated take-home pay compares.

JobEst. take-homeRent share
Nurse Anesthetist$14,292/mo6%
Chief Executive$11,186/mo8%
Family Physician$10,303/mo8%
Dentist$10,140/mo8%
IT Manager$9,452/mo9%
Architectural and Engineering Manager$9,077/mo9%
Optometrist$9,040/mo9%
Purchasing Manager$8,603/mo10%
Pharmacist$8,460/mo10%
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product$8,398/mo10%
Natural Sciences Manager$8,132/mo10%
Veterinarian$7,966/mo11%
Physician Assistant$7,853/mo11%
Nurse Practitioner$7,074/mo12%
Healthcare Manager$6,858/mo12%
Industrial Production Manager$6,822/mo12%
Sales Manager$6,752/mo13%
Human Resources Manager$6,742/mo13%
Lawyer$6,553/mo13%
Electrical Engineer$6,515/mo13%
Industrial Engineer$6,515/mo13%
Network Architect$6,512/mo13%
Marketing Manager$6,408/mo13%
Systems Analyst$6,376/mo13%
Financial Manager$6,281/mo14%
Mechanical Engineer$6,260/mo14%
Physical Therapist$6,254/mo14%
Facilities Manager$6,202/mo14%
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager$6,167/mo14%
Construction Manager$5,865/mo14%
Information Security Analyst$5,682/mo15%
Civil Engineer$5,642/mo15%
Occupational Therapist$5,619/mo15%
Labor Relations Specialist$5,568/mo15%
Public Relations Manager$5,394/mo16%
Management Consultant$5,384/mo16%
Medical Scientist$5,361/mo16%
Software Developer$5,290/mo16%
Architect$5,286/mo16%
Project Management Specialist$5,286/mo16%
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$5,257/mo16%
Computer Programmer$5,255/mo16%
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairer$5,253/mo16%
Chemist$5,210/mo16%
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairer$5,196/mo16%
Registered Nurse$5,117/mo17%
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$5,108/mo17%
Construction Supervisor$5,015/mo17%
Detectives and Criminal Investigator$4,989/mo17%
Administrative Services Manager$4,975/mo17%
Operations Manager$4,933/mo17%
Financial Advisor$4,855/mo17%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,807/mo18%
Buyers and Purchasing Agent$4,678/mo18%
Logistician$4,663/mo18%
Sheet Metal Worker$4,528/mo19%
Dietitian$4,492/mo19%
Police and Detective$4,458/mo19%
Data Scientist$4,398/mo19%
Accountant$4,388/mo19%
Network Administrator$4,386/mo19%
Web Developer$4,380/mo19%
Financial Analyst$4,361/mo19%
Dental Hygienist$4,353/mo19%
Sonographer$4,294/mo20%
Mechanics, Installers, and Repairer$4,291/mo20%
Psychologist$4,248/mo20%
Speech Pathologist$4,239/mo20%
Cost Estimator$4,218/mo20%
Database Administrator$4,214/mo20%
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$4,152/mo20%
Social and Community Service Manager$4,135/mo21%
Real Estate Agent$4,110/mo21%
Electrician$4,102/mo21%
Respiratory Therapist$4,086/mo21%
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester$4,077/mo21%
Chiropractor$4,066/mo21%
Radiologic Technologist$4,062/mo21%
Production and Operating Worker$4,051/mo21%
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician$4,042/mo21%
HR Specialist$4,035/mo21%
Compliance Officer$4,026/mo21%
Operations Research Analyst$4,021/mo21%
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender$4,019/mo21%
Architectural and Civil Drafter$3,993/mo21%
Claims Adjuster$3,921/mo22%
Physical Therapist Assistant$3,901/mo22%
Public Relations Specialist$3,896/mo22%
Postal Service Clerk$3,890/mo22%
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technician$3,883/mo22%
Insurance Underwriter$3,847/mo22%
Training and Development Specialist$3,822/mo22%
Healthcare Social Worker$3,817/mo22%
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technician$3,764/mo23%
High School Teacher$3,755/mo23%
Non-Retail Sales Worker$3,713/mo23%
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$3,693/mo23%
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$3,689/mo23%
Sales Representative$3,669/mo23%
Construction and Building Inspector$3,663/mo23%
Instructional Coordinator$3,656/mo23%
Chef$3,587/mo24%
Web and Digital Interface Designer$3,570/mo24%
Postal Service Mail Carrier$3,528/mo24%
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technician$3,506/mo24%
Financial Examiner$3,476/mo24%
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator$3,474/mo24%
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk$3,460/mo25%
Firefighting and Prevention Worker$3,423/mo25%
Credit Analyst$3,413/mo25%
Sports Coach$3,393/mo25%
Loan Officer$3,375/mo25%
Industrial Machinery Mechanic$3,370/mo25%
Paralegals and Legal Assistant$3,305/mo26%
School Counselor$3,291/mo26%
Police Officer$3,286/mo26%
IT Support Specialist$3,282/mo26%
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistant$3,277/mo26%
Plumber$3,268/mo26%
Special Ed Teacher$3,253/mo26%
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$3,245/mo26%
Computer Network Support Specialist$3,231/mo26%
Market Research Analyst$3,225/mo26%
Editor$3,203/mo26%
Office and Administrative Support Worker$3,187/mo27%
Medical Equipment Repairer$3,182/mo27%
Elementary School Teacher$3,180/mo27%
Surgical Technologist$3,158/mo27%
Writer$3,145/mo27%
Fundraiser$3,133/mo27%
Licensed Practical Nurse$3,095/mo27%
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$3,083/mo28%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$3,082/mo28%
Machinist$3,079/mo28%
Equipment Operator$3,076/mo28%
Interior Designer$3,049/mo28%
Truck Driver$3,045/mo28%
Food Service Manager$3,042/mo28%
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$3,037/mo28%
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$3,033/mo28%
Diesel Mechanic$3,024/mo28%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist$3,018/mo28%
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist$3,002/mo28%
Welder$3,002/mo28%
HVAC Technician$2,995/mo28%
Social Worker$2,994/mo28%
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,993/mo28%
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent$2,991/mo28%
Carpenter$2,987/mo28%
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,976/mo28%
Paramedic$2,976/mo28%
Correctional Officer$2,961/mo29%
Property Manager$2,961/mo29%
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher$2,906/mo29%
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer$2,896/mo29%
Security Worker$2,884/mo29%
Cement Masons and Concrete Finisher$2,881/mo29%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$2,869/mo30%
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$2,835/mo30%
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,818/mo30%
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$2,812/mo30%
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,803/mo30%
Insurance Agent$2,794/mo30%
Painter$2,789/mo30%
Biological Technician$2,787/mo30%
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer$2,737/mo31%
Automotive Body and Related Repairer$2,723/mo31%
Tutor$2,711/mo31%
Medical Records Specialist$2,709/mo31%
Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Worker$2,699/mo31%
Medical Equipment Preparer$2,652/mo32%
Rehabilitation Counselor$2,646/mo32%
Graphic Designer$2,618/mo32%
Audio and Video Technician$2,616/mo32%
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk$2,612/mo32%
Firefighter$2,607/mo33%
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,604/mo33%
Order Clerk$2,604/mo33%
Librarian$2,583/mo33%
Clergy$2,549/mo33%
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator$2,547/mo33%
Producers and Director$2,535/mo33%
Skincare Specialist$2,532/mo33%
Personal Service Worker$2,510/mo34%
Printing Press Operator$2,503/mo34%
Bookkeeper$2,497/mo34%
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenter$2,480/mo34%
Construction Laborer$2,479/mo34%
Bill and Account Collector$2,462/mo34%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$2,453/mo35%
Manicurists and Pedicurist$2,447/mo35%
Advertising Sales Agent$2,443/mo35%
Loan Interviewers and Clerk$2,443/mo35%
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Program$2,434/mo35%
Highway Maintenance Worker$2,434/mo35%
Maintenance Worker$2,430/mo35%
Dental Assistant$2,428/mo35%
Crossing Guards and Flagger$2,421/mo35%
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk$2,421/mo35%
Housekeeping and Janitorial Worker$2,418/mo35%
Auto Mechanic$2,415/mo35%
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk$2,415/mo35%
Billing and Posting Clerk$2,411/mo35%
Pharmacy Technician$2,411/mo35%
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,410/mo35%
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer$2,406/mo35%
Pest Control Worker$2,403/mo35%
Retail Supervisor$2,401/mo35%
Data Entry Keyer$2,391/mo35%
Public Safety Telecommunicator$2,391/mo35%
Roofer$2,389/mo35%
Ophthalmic Medical Technician$2,382/mo36%
Phlebotomist$2,376/mo36%
Admin Assistant$2,356/mo36%
Opticians, Dispensing$2,352/mo36%
Court, Municipal, and License Clerk$2,345/mo36%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner$2,333/mo36%
Customer Service Rep$2,321/mo37%
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tender$2,319/mo37%
Nursing Assistant$2,307/mo37%
Social and Human Service Assistant$2,264/mo37%
Medical Assistant$2,232/mo38%
Warehouse Worker$2,207/mo38%
Delivery Driver$2,200/mo39%
Library Technician$2,173/mo39%
Telemarketer$2,165/mo39%
Veterinary Technologists and Technician$2,161/mo39%
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerk$2,120/mo40%
Self-Enrichment Teacher$2,111/mo40%
Stockers and Order Filler$2,111/mo40%
File Clerk$2,099/mo40%
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector$2,099/mo40%
Baker$2,096/mo40%
Office Clerk$2,085/mo41%
Journalist$2,067/mo41%
Photographer$2,051/mo41%
Fitness Trainer$2,039/mo42%
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmer$2,034/mo42%
Packers and Packagers, Hand$2,028/mo42%
Preschool Teacher$2,025/mo42%
Massage Therapist$2,020/mo42%
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmer$2,017/mo42%
Sewing Machine Operator$2,007/mo42%
EMT$1,999/mo42%
Teller$1,973/mo43%
Couriers and Messenger$1,930/mo44%
Food Service Supervisor$1,929/mo44%
Security Guard$1,926/mo44%
Hairdresser$1,916/mo44%
Receptionist$1,914/mo44%
Bus Drivers, School$1,888/mo45%
Counter and Rental Clerk$1,886/mo45%
Landscaper$1,886/mo45%
Janitor$1,880/mo45%
Parts Salesperson$1,871/mo45%
Tire Repairers and Changer$1,866/mo45%
Teaching Assistant$1,864/mo45%
Residential Advisor$1,862/mo46%
Psychiatric Technician$1,858/mo46%
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker$1,855/mo46%
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$1,849/mo46%
Restaurant Cook$1,827/mo46%
Recreation Worker$1,822/mo47%
Bartender$1,817/mo47%
Server$1,817/mo47%
Butchers and Meat Cutter$1,809/mo47%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$1,804/mo47%
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$1,801/mo47%
Retail Salesperson$1,795/mo47%
Food Preparation Worker$1,788/mo47%
Animal Caretaker$1,781/mo48%
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner$1,767/mo48%
Driver/Sales Worker$1,743/mo49%
Parking Attendant$1,732/mo49%
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$1,728/mo49%
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker$1,721/mo49%
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeur$1,721/mo49%
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant$1,689/mo50%
Fast Food and Counter Worker$1,671/mo51%
Home Health Aide$1,668/mo51%
Tax Preparer$1,648/mo51%
Dishwasher$1,640/mo52%
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk$1,581/mo54%
Amusement and Recreation Attendant$1,537/mo55%
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper$1,527/mo56%
Library Assistants, Clerical$1,517/mo56%
Cashier$1,501/mo56%
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$1,487/mo57%
Cooks, Short Order$1,463/mo58%
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker$1,453/mo58%
Cooks, Fast Food$1,448/mo59%
Food Batchmaker$1,438/mo59%
Childcare Worker$1,434/mo59%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker$1,307/mo65%
Slaughterers and Meat Packer$1,290/mo66%

Pay is BLS OEWS 2023 state median wages after a rough ~22% tax estimate — a ballpark, not a real paycheck. It doesn't include state taxes, insurance, transport, or the cost of moving.

See your own numbers in Headroom