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Retail Manager 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.

Retail Manager Salary in Charleston β€” Key Numbers

$38,720
Median Salary
$28,864
25th Percentile
$53,456
75th Percentile
$72,160
90th Percentile
National median (Retail Manager)$48,400
vs. National median-20.0%
Charleston median household income$46,200
vs. City household income-16.2%

Cost of Living in Charleston

Cost of Living Index
80(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.2%
Annual rent cost$9,000
Median Home Price$155,000
Home Price / Salary4.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$31,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.0 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 Retail Manager make in Charleston, WV?

The estimated median salary for a Retail Manager in Charleston is $38,720 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $48,400 adjusted by Charleston's cost of living index (80). The typical salary range runs from $28,864 (25th percentile) to $53,456 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $72,160.

Is Charleston affordable for a Retail Manager?

On a $38,720 annual salary, a Retail Manager in Charleston would spend approximately 23.2% 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 4.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Retail Manager's salary compare to Charleston's overall income?

Charleston's median household income is $46,200. A Retail Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $38,720 earns 16.2% less than the typical Charleston household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Charleston has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.