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Data Scientist Salary in Charleston, WV β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Charleston's cost of living (index: 80). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Data Scientist Salary in Charleston β€” Key Numbers

$90,072
Median Salary
$66,048
25th Percentile
$120,432
75th Percentile
$152,424
90th Percentile
National median (Data Scientist)$112,590
vs. National median-20.0%
Charleston median household income$46,200
vs. City household income+95.0%

Cost of Living in Charleston

Cost of Living Index
80(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio10.0%
Annual rent cost$9,000
Median Home Price$155,000
Home Price / Salary1.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$31,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Charleston

5.0%
Unemployment Rate
220,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
40.2
Median Age

Charleston has a metro population of 220,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 5.0% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Data Scientist make in Charleston, WV?

The estimated median salary for a Data Scientist in Charleston is $90,072 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $112,590 adjusted by Charleston's cost of living index (80). The typical salary range runs from $66,048 (25th percentile) to $120,432 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $152,424.

Is Charleston affordable for a Data Scientist?

On a $90,072 annual salary, a Data Scientist in Charleston would spend approximately 10.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($750/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Charleston relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $155,000 is 1.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Data Scientist's salary compare to Charleston's overall income?

Charleston's median household income is $46,200. A Data Scientist earning the city-adjusted median of $90,072 earns 95.0% more than the typical Charleston household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.