Sam SmithWest Virginia’s highest paid jobs show a steady transformation, balancing its traditional energy and manufacturing base with new opportunities in healthcare, management, and science. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state’s top earners are predominantly medical professionals — particularly surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurse anesthetists. Beyond healthcare, strong salaries are also found in engineering, natural sciences, energy production, and executive management, reflecting the unique mix of industries that power West Virginia’s economy.
The following list of the top 100 highest-paying occupations in West Virginia provides insight into where the best career and salary prospects lie in the near future, especially for those considering long-term growth in the Mountain State.
Highest Paid Jobs In West Virginia – Where Energy Meets Trade
1. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists in West Virginia earn some of the highest salaries in the state, exceeding $339,000 annually. They are responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery, ensuring safety and comfort. Because of the complexity of surgical care and limited number of specialists statewide, anesthesiologists remain in exceptionally high demand. Many practice in regional hospitals or surgical centers where their expertise directly impacts patient survival rates and the quality of critical medical procedures.
2. Surgeon (All Other)
Surgeons perform life-saving operations and complex medical procedures, earning well above $339,000 annually in West Virginia. Their roles range from trauma to orthopedic and reconstructive surgery, requiring exceptional skill, years of training, and precision. Rural hospital systems rely heavily on these specialists to handle advanced cases that general physicians cannot manage. Due to the scarcity of surgical talent in West Virginia, their compensation ranks among the very highest in the entire healthcare industry.
3. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in facial, jaw, and dental surgeries. Earning over $339,000 per year, they combine medical and dental expertise to treat injuries, deformities, and complex oral conditions. In West Virginia, demand is strong due to limited availability of such specialists outside metropolitan areas. They often perform reconstructive surgery following accidents or cancer treatment, making their role crucial in improving both function and appearance for patients across the state.
4. Obstetrician and Gynecologist (OB-GYN)
OB-GYNs, earning above $339,000 annually, provide reproductive health services, prenatal care, and deliver babies across West Virginia. Their work carries immense responsibility, as they support women’s health during life-changing events such as pregnancy and childbirth. In rural regions where access to maternal care is limited, OB-GYNs play a particularly vital role. Their broad expertise in both surgical and medical practice ensures high demand and premium salaries throughout the state’s healthcare network.
5. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists in West Virginia earn an impressive $308,000 per year — significantly above the national average. They diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribing medication and offering therapy for disorders like depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. The state’s shortage of behavioral health providers drives up salaries for qualified psychiatrists. With mental health awareness growing, psychiatrists serve an increasingly critical role in both hospitals and private practices, improving community wellbeing across urban and rural settings alike.
6. Orthodontist
Orthodontists earn nearly $298,000 annually, specializing in aligning teeth and correcting jaw irregularities. Their work enhances both appearance and oral health through braces, aligners, and advanced corrective procedures. West Virginia’s high orthodontist salaries reflect both strong patient demand and the specialized training required. Many operate private clinics or collaborate with dental practices, offering long-term care plans. With fewer specialists statewide, orthodontists can command high fees for their expertise and patient-focused results.
7. Family Medicine Physician
Family physicians earn around $281,000 per year, providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages. In West Virginia’s rural and small-town communities, they often act as the primary healthcare providers, handling preventive care, diagnostics, and chronic disease management. Their broad medical knowledge makes them essential to local healthcare networks. Due to physician shortages in non-urban areas, salaries for family doctors are considerably higher than national averages, ensuring stable demand and rewarding long-term careers.
8. Chief Physician
Chief Physicians, earning about $279,000 annually, oversee medical departments or entire healthcare facilities. They manage physician teams, set clinical protocols, and ensure high standards of care. In West Virginia’s regional hospitals, Chief Physicians often balance administrative leadership with direct patient care, guiding treatment strategies and mentoring younger doctors. Their compensation reflects both their advanced experience and organizational responsibility, as they play a central role in shaping healthcare outcomes statewide.
9. Pediatrician (General)
General pediatricians earn around $260,000 per year in West Virginia, caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Their responsibilities include monitoring growth, diagnosing illnesses, and providing vaccinations. With many rural counties lacking specialized pediatric care, these physicians are essential for community health. Pediatricians often work long hours in clinics or hospitals, providing continuous care for families. Their high salaries mirror both their broad medical expertise and the trust they build with generations of patients.
10. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists earn about $246,000 annually — one of the highest nursing salaries in the country. They provide anesthesia care during surgeries and procedures, often serving as the sole anesthesia providers in rural West Virginia hospitals. Their advanced education, clinical precision, and ability to respond to emergencies make them indispensable. With growing demand for surgical and pain management services, CRNAs enjoy excellent job security and professional respect across the state.
11. Dentist (General)
General dentists in West Virginia earn approximately $223,000 annually, providing preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. Their work includes filling cavities, performing root canals, and promoting oral hygiene. In smaller towns, dentists often run private practices serving entire communities, contributing to both health and aesthetics. The combination of strong patient demand and the limited supply of dental professionals ensures consistently high earnings, particularly for those offering specialized or cosmetic procedures.
12. Podiatrist
Podiatrists earn roughly $191,000 per year treating foot, ankle, and lower-leg conditions. Their expertise ranges from sports injuries and diabetic complications to surgical correction of deformities. In West Virginia, the need for podiatrists is elevated due to an aging population and high rates of diabetes. Many operate independent clinics or work in hospitals alongside orthopedic specialists. Their income reflects the high value of maintaining mobility and quality of life for patients across the state.
13. Pharmacist
Pharmacists in West Virginia earn about $131,000 annually, playing a crucial role in dispensing medications, advising patients, and monitoring drug safety. Many serve in hospital pharmacies or community drugstores, often the most accessible healthcare providers in rural regions. Their expertise ensures correct dosages and helps prevent harmful interactions. While salaries are slightly below the national average, pharmacists in West Virginia enjoy strong job stability and respect as essential healthcare professionals in every community.
14. Optometrist
Optometrists earn around $138,000 per year in West Virginia, diagnosing and treating vision problems such as nearsightedness, glaucoma, and eye diseases. They prescribe corrective lenses and manage long-term eye health. Because the state’s mountainous geography limits access to specialists, optometrists are in steady demand. Many operate private practices or partner with medical groups, often serving as primary eye-care providers. The field offers strong earnings, autonomy, and consistent patient relationships throughout the region.
15. Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants in West Virginia earn approximately $127,000 annually, providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive care under physician supervision. Their flexibility allows them to serve in multiple specialties, including emergency medicine, orthopedics, and family practice. PAs are vital in rural communities where doctors are scarce, extending medical services and reducing patient wait times. High demand, advanced training, and growing autonomy in clinical roles contribute to strong compensation and expanding career opportunities statewide.
16. Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse Practitioners earn about $122,000 per year in West Virginia, providing primary and specialized healthcare independently or alongside physicians. They diagnose, prescribe, and manage treatment for a wide range of conditions, often serving as the main providers in rural clinics. NPs play a critical role in improving healthcare access across underserved regions. Their blend of medical expertise, patient focus, and expanding authority ensures excellent job prospects and competitive pay throughout the state.
17. Chief Executive
Chief Executives in West Virginia earn roughly $215,000 annually, overseeing company strategy, financial growth, and operations. They lead organizations in industries like energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibility, decision-making power, and impact on profitability. Many CEOs in the state manage mid-sized firms critical to West Virginia’s economy. Success in this role demands vision, business acumen, and adaptability, offering exceptional rewards for those who steer organizations effectively.
18. Architectural and Engineering Manager
Architectural and Engineering Managers earn about $180,000 annually, leading teams that design and develop infrastructure, industrial systems, and manufacturing projects. In West Virginia, they often work in chemical plants, mining operations, and energy facilities. Their responsibilities include supervising engineers, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. These managers play a vital role in optimizing production and innovation, earning top salaries that reflect their technical knowledge and organizational leadership within critical state industries.
19. Natural Sciences Manager
Natural Sciences Managers earn around $170,000 annually, overseeing research in fields like chemistry, biology, and environmental science. They manage labs and coordinate projects that support West Virginia’s mining, energy, and health sectors. These professionals ensure scientific accuracy, regulatory compliance, and innovation within industrial and academic settings. Their combination of scientific expertise and leadership skills makes them indispensable for companies focused on safety, sustainability, and product development, resulting in strong compensation and job stability.
20. Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers in West Virginia earn approximately $157,000 annually, developing strategies that promote products, services, and brand recognition. They oversee advertising campaigns, market research, and team coordination. Many work in industries like healthcare, higher education, and energy, helping organizations connect with customers across local and regional markets. Their role combines creativity and analytics, making them essential for business growth. Experienced managers command strong salaries, particularly in competitive sectors or large corporate environments.
The following is a list of the highest paying jobs in West Virginia, broken into their various fields.
Healthcare & Medical
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (USD) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologist | >$339,990 | At or above national average |
| 2 | Surgeon (All Other) | >$339,990 | At or above national average |
| 3 | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | >$339,990 | At or above national average |
| 4 | Obstetrician & Gynecologist | >$339,990 | At or above national average |
| 5 | Psychiatrist | $308,310 | Significantly above national average |
| 6 | Orthodontist | $297,890 | Above national average |
| 7 | Family Medicine Physician | $281,170 | Significantly above national average |
| 8 | Chief Physician | $279,100 | Near national average |
| 9 | Pediatrician, General | $260,130 | Above national average |
| 10 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $246,310 | Significantly above national average |
| 11 | Dentist, General | $222,650 | Above national average |
| 12 | Podiatrist | $191,150 | Significantly above national average |
| 13 | Pharmacist | $131,300 | Slightly below national average |
| 14 | Optometrist | $137,750 | Above national average |
| 15 | Physician Assistant | $126,700 | Near national average |
| 16 | Nurse Practitioner | $121,880 | Near national average |
Management, Engineering & Legal
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (USD) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Chief Executive | $214,760 | Near national average |
| 18 | Architectural & Engineering Manager | $180,230 | Above national average |
| 19 | Natural Sciences Manager | $169,600 | Above national average |
| 20 | Marketing Manager | $156,600 | Near national average |
| 21 | Financial Manager | $152,800 | Near national average |
| 22 | Sales Manager | $151,580 | Near national average |
| 23 | Computer & Information Systems Manager | $147,850 | Slightly below national average |
| 24 | Human Resources Manager | $141,970 | Above national average |
| 25 | Public Relations Manager | $139,840 | Above national average |
| 26 | Lawyer | $139,690 | Below national average |
| 27 | Compensation & Benefits Manager | $138,420 | Above national average |
| 28 | Training & Development Manager | $136,470 | Above national average |
| 29 | Industrial Production Manager | $134,620 | Above national average |
| 30 | Actuary | $133,060 | Near national average |
| 31 | Purchasing Manager | $129,950 | Above national average |
| 32 | Petroleum Engineer | $129,850 | Below national average |
Sciences, Engineering & IT
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (USD) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Chemical Engineer | $126,970 | Above national average |
| 34 | Economist | $126,880 | Near national average |
| 35 | Computer & Information Research Scientist | $126,450 | Below national average |
| 36 | Data Scientist | $119,810 | Near national average |
| 37 | Physicist | $119,420 | Below national average |
| 38 | Materials Scientist | $118,890 | Near national average |
| 39 | Mining & Geological Engineer | $117,950 | Near national average |
| 40 | Electrical Engineer | $106,970 | Near national average |
| 41 | Civil Engineer | $95,950 | Near national average |
| 42 | Mechanical Engineer | $94,910 | Near national average |
| 43 | Industrial Engineer | $93,350 | Near national average |
| 44 | Environmental Engineer | $92,730 | Near national average |
| 45 | Computer Network Architect | $119,170 | Below national average |
| 46 | Software Developer | $96,250 | Below national average |
| 47 | Information Security Analyst | $103,690 | Below national average |
Aviation, Skilled Trades & Technical Management
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (USD) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | Airline Pilot, Copilot, & Flight Engineer | $178,300 | Below national average |
| 49 | Elevator & Escalator Installer/Repairer | $101,650 | Above national average |
| 50 | Power Plant Operator | $100,850 | Above national average |
| 51 | Administrative Services Manager | $115,200 | Above national average |
| 52 | Commercial Pilot | $113,150 | Near national average |
| 53 | Nuclear Technician | $99,920 | Above national average |
| 54 | Radiation Therapist | $99,680 | Above national average |
| 55 | Electrical Power-Line Installer & Repairer | $105,670 | Above national average |
| 56 | Personal Financial Advisor | $137,600 | Near national average |
| 57 | Securities, Commodities, & Financial Services Agent | $134,350 | Near national average |
| 58 | Art Director | $121,830 | Above national average |
| 59 | Compensation, Benefits, & Job Analysis Specialist | $79,850 | Above national average |
| 60 | Transportation, Storage, & Distribution Manager | $114,670 | Above national average |
| 61 | Construction Manager | $113,940 | Above national average |
Education, Science & Additional Professions
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (USD) | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | Engineering Teacher, Postsecondary | $121,500 | Above national average |
| 63 | Chemistry Teacher, Postsecondary | $122,640 | Above national average |
| 64 | Law Teacher, Postsecondary | $119,650 | Near national average |
| 65 | Health Specialties Teacher, Postsecondary | $118,870 | Above national average |
| 66 | Physics Teacher, Postsecondary | $116,710 | Above national average |
| 67 | Economics Teacher, Postsecondary | $111,530 | Above national average |
| 68 | Business Teacher, Postsecondary | $112,250 | Above national average |
| 69 | Computer Science Teacher, Postsecondary | $108,860 | Above national average |
| 70 | Political Scientist | $128,670 | Near national average |
| 71 | Biochemist & Biophysicist | $115,960 | Above national average |
| 72 | Medical Scientist | $97,080 | Near national average |
| 73 | Veterinarian | $117,760 | Near national average |
| 74 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $95,850 | Above national average |
| 75 | Occupational Therapist | $93,070 | Near national average |
| 76 | Physical Therapist | $97,950 | Near national average |
Other High-Paying Professional & Technical Roles (77–100)
| Rank | Job Title | Mean Annual Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 77 | Nuclear Engineer | $118,000 |
| 78 | Geoscientist | $116,650 |
| 79 | Database Architect | $115,870 |
| 80 | Statistician | $114,930 |
| 81 | Software QA Analyst & Tester | $112,950 |
| 82 | First-Line Supervisor of Police & Detectives | $112,090 |
| 83 | Agricultural Engineer | $111,580 |
| 84 | Marine Engineer & Naval Architect | $110,000 |
| 85 | Project Management Specialist | $96,920 |
| 86 | Budget Analyst | $96,850 |
| 87 | Clinical & Counseling Psychologist | $96,690 |
| 88 | Loan Officer | $96,470 |
| 89 | Electrical & Electronics Repairer (Powerhouse) | $96,300 |
| 90 | Market Research Analyst & Marketing Specialist | $95,970 |
| 91 | Speech-Language Pathologist | $95,850 |
| 92 | Physical Therapist | $97,950 |
| 93 | Occupational Therapist | $93,070 |
| 94 | Electrical Engineer | $106,970 |
| 95 | Civil Engineer | $95,950 |
| 96 | Mechanical Engineer | $94,910 |
| 97 | Industrial Engineer | $93,350 |
| 98 | Environmental Engineer | $92,730 |
| 99 | Hydrologist | $91,880 |
| 100 | Urban & Regional Planner | $90,950 |
Conclusion
West Virginia’s economy continues to evolve, with healthcare and technical management roles leading the way in both earnings and job stability. High salaries in engineering, energy, and skilled trades highlight the ongoing importance of infrastructure and industrial expertise in the region. Meanwhile, healthcare professions — from surgeons to nurse anesthetists — remain unmatched in compensation due to high demand and limited supply.
For professionals seeking financial stability and meaningful career growth, West Virginia offers competitive salaries combined with a relatively low cost of living, making it one of the most financially accessible states for high-earning professionals in the U.S.