Average RN Salary in West Virginia: See How Much WV Nurses Make

If you are considering a nursing job in West Virginia, or are already practicing there, this guide to registered nurse (RN) salaries in West Virginia explores the expected income for RNs. Learn about typical salary ranges, the cities that have the highest RN salaries in West Virginia, and how to factor cost of living into your planning or negotiations.

Keep reading for the information that can help you maximize your earnings.

Source:BLS, Projections Central

The average annual RN salary in West Virginia is $67,640, the 43rd highest among all states. For comparison, the average annual RN salary in Kentucky is $67,260, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS reports a median RN salary in West Virginia at $62,390. While RN salaries in West Virginia are significantly lower than the national median of $77,600, the cost of living in West Virginia is also lower.

Source:BLS

West Virginia is one of the cheapest states to live in. The cost-of-living index, based on the price of typical goods and services, is 88, compared to 100 in the U.S. as a whole. In other words, an RN salary in West Virginia has 12% more purchasing power because goods and services cost less. This makes the average adjusted RN salary in West Virginia equivalent to $74,757, ranking West Virginia 34th among all states for cost of living.

RN salaries in West Virginia are higher in the major cities. However, the differences among cities are not as big as they are in other states. The Huntington-Ashland metropolitan area, also known as the “Tri-State Area,” has approximately 350,000 residents. Huntington is the largest city, with approximately 50,000 residents. Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center, both part of Mountain Health Network, are the largest healthcare providers here.

The Charleston metropolitan area offers the second-highest RN salaries in West Virginia. Charleston Area Medical Center and Thomas Health are the predominant healthcare employers. Morgantown is home to West Virginia University Hospitals, the only Magnet hospital in the state.

Beckley hosts two hospitals, and Wheeling, with a population of approximately 150,000, houses Ohio Valley Medical Center and Wheeling Hospital. Ohio Valley Medical Center was the first nursing school in West Virginia, and Wheeling Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in continuous operation in the country.

Source:BLS

While RN salaries in West Virginia are considerably above the state average salary, earning a graduate degree and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) can lead to better-paying careers. A master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can prepare you to become a nurse midwife or a nurse practitioner. To be a nurse anesthetist, you need a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. The average nurse anesthetist salary is almost four times the average RN salary in West Virginia.