A Deep Dive into West Virginia Teacher Salaries 


| by Alex Skov

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The state’s mountains and country roads have been memorialized in a country music classic for decades, but there hasn’t been a chart-topping hit about teacher salaries in West Virginia (yet). So, it may seem challenging to learn about pay scales, benefits, and West Virginia teacher salaries. 

Moreland University supports teachers across the U.S. (and around the world) at every stage of their careers — including providing resources to understand the education salary landscape. Continue reading to get insights on teacher salaries in West Virginia, including what factors influence these wages.  

Starting Teacher Salaries in West Virginia 

As reported by the National Education Association (NEA), the average starting salary for teachers in West Virginia is approximately $40,339, which ranks near the bottom in terms of average teacher pay across the U.S. However, West Virginia also has one of the lowest costs of living rates in the country, making this figure more competitive than it may seem at first glance. Several other factors influence West Virginia teacher salaries, as well, such as the school district you teach in and any additional certifications or degrees you may have. 

Average Teacher Salaries in West Virginia 

Teachers in West Virginia can expect to earn about $52,870 per year on average, based on NEA data. This salary is quite competitive in light of the state’s cost of living, especially compared to coastal states or states with major, heavily populated cities. West Virginia teacher salaries can also be increased depending on things such as a teacher’s years of experience, education level, and the subject area they teach. 

Benefits beyond the paycheck — such as retirement plans, professional development opportunities, and employer-provided health insurance — can also be viewed as enhancements to teachers’ overall compensation in West Virginia. Likewise, it’s important to note that a teacher’s salary often reflects a 10-month work schedule since they often do not have to work during summer and holiday breaks. 

Variations in Average Teacher Salaries in West Virginia 

Sometimes where you teach matters just as much as what you teach when it comes to West Virginia teach salaries. For example, teachers in Kingwood — a northeast West Virginia town with a population of about 3,000 — report having annual salaries around $66,211, according to Indeed. However, just 32 miles away in Core, West Virginia, teachers earn about $52,964 per year, much closer to the state average.  

In addition to location, there are several other variables that can influence West Virginia teacher salaries.  

Factors Influencing Teacher Salaries in West Virginia 

While location helps determine teacher salaries in West Virginia, there are a number of other factors that go into deciding what an educator earns. These include:  

  1. Certifications and education: Teachers with a National Board Certification, master’s degree, or other credential in addition to a bachelor’s degree typically earn higher salaries than their peers without these items on their resumes. 
  2. Experience: West Virginia teachers can receive incremental pay increases based on their years of experience, showing how schools and districts value and appreciate continuity in their classrooms.  
  3. Specializations: Teachers in high-need subject areas like special education and STEM can often earn more than their colleagues teaching in other areas. 

Advancing Beyond Average Teacher Salary in West Virginia 

Teachers in West Virginia have several pathways to increasing their salaries and growing their careers:

  1. Certifications and advanced degrees: Individuals who complete a teacher certification program differentiate themselves early from their peers who haven’t been through such a program. Similarly, teachers who earn master’s degrees or other advanced credentials tend to receive higher salaries, or more substantial salary increases, than colleagues without these degrees.  
  2. Leadership: Every school needs leaders, and those who serve in roles like department heads and instructional coaches can often receive salary boosts. Taking on an administrative role such as an assistant principal can also provide a salary raise. Programs like Moreland’s Master’s in Educational Leadership are designed to help people pursue these career paths.  
  3. Additional responsibilities: Oftentimes, stipends or additional pay are available for teachers who take on extra duties such as leading extracurricular activities, coaching sports teams, or mentoring newer teachers. 

Average Teacher Salary in West Virginia vs. Other States 

West Virginia’s average teacher salary is lower than the national average, as the NEA data notes. However, when adjusted for cost of living — where the state ranks among the lowest in the U.S. — teacher salaries in West Virginia become more competitive in terms of daily life. 

Budget and Funding Factors on West Virginia Teacher Salaries 

Teacher salaries in West Virginia are influenced by the state’s budget and funding allocations. Funding for teacher salaries in West Virginia primarily comes from state and local sources, with each school district working within budget guidelines set by the state legislature. The West Virginia Department of Education’s annual salary schedules offer built-in pay increases based on experience and education level for teachers who serve in the same school or district for a number of years. 

Enhance Your West Virginia Teaching Salary with Moreland University 

West Virginia’s scenic beauty offers teachers a comfortable place to call home both professionally and personally. Whether your teaching journey is just beginning or you are an experienced teacher who wants to advance your career, Moreland can help you earn the credentials — and build the confidence — that will help you level up. Our 100% online teacher certification and master’s degree programs are designed to support teachers on their way to career growth. 

Learn more about how Moreland supports West Virginia teachers and sign up for an info session today! 

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