West Virginia Paycheck Calculator
Estimate West Virginia take-home pay including federal, state, and FICA taxes, applying pre-tax deductions across common pay schedules accurately today.
West Virginia Income Tax Rate
West Virginia uses progressive brackets. In 2023, lawmakers enacted broad cuts that lowered every bracket, bringing the top marginal rate down from 6.50% to about 5.12%. Employers begin with gross wages, subtract pre-tax benefits (traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums), then apply federal withholding, FICA, and West Virginia state tables based on your WV/IT-104 elections and pay frequency. Credits, dependent allowances, and supplemental wages (bonuses/commissions) can change per-check results. West Virginia municipalities do not levy separate local wage income taxes, so your income-tax layers are federal plus state. Review pay stubs after life events or benefit changes to keep withholding accurate.
| Year | Top Rate |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 6.50% |
| 2017 | 6.50% |
| 2018 | 6.50% |
| 2019 | 6.50% |
| 2020 | 6.50% |
| 2021 | 6.50% |
| 2022 | 6.50% |
| 2023 | 5.12% |
| 2024 | 5.12% |
| 2025 | 5.12% |
West Virginia Median Household Income
West Virginia’s median household income has steadily trended upward, with brief pandemic-era softness and renewed gains as labor markets tightened. Metros like Morgantown and the Eastern Panhandle often exceed statewide medians, while many rural counties trend lower. Use the nominal values below as directional benchmarks for budgeting, relocation planning, or evaluating offers. For purchasing power, compare “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and factor local living costs such as housing, utilities, transportation, and childcare. Household size and employer benefits can meaningfully change how far a salary goes across West Virginia communities.
| Year | Income |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $43,500 |
| 2017 | $44,900 |
| 2018 | $46,700 |
| 2019 | $48,900 |
| 2020 | $49,500 |
| 2021 | $51,800 |
| 2022 | $53,100 |
| 2023 | $55,000 |
| 2024 | $56,200 |
| 2025 | $57,400 (prelim.) |
West Virginia Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and applies to West Virginia paychecks like everywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security up to the annual wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match that surtax. Section 125 health premiums typically reduce both income-tax and FICA wages, while traditional 401(k) lowers income-tax wages but not FICA wages. Your pay stub will itemize Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, and West Virginia income tax separately for easy verification each period.
West Virginia Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes
West Virginia does not impose municipal wage income taxes. Some places may charge flat “user” or service fees, but not a percent-of-wages tax.
| Locality | Resident Rate | Nonresident Rate |
|---|---|---|
| All West Virginia cities/counties | None | None |
How Your West Virginia Paycheck Works
Each pay period starts with gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter, and pre-tax insurance—to reach taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (W-4), Social Security and Medicare (FICA), and West Virginia state income tax using your WV withholding elections and pay frequency. There are no city wage taxes. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments, charitable contributions) occur after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay schedule—weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly—changes per-check cash flow but not annual liability. Always review stubs after life events, address changes, or benefit updates.
West Virginia Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency
Overtime: West Virginia follows FLSA—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours over
40 in a workweek; exemptions apply when duties and salary thresholds are met.
Pay frequency: Employers must establish regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals. Biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common;
final-pay timing and wage-statement rules apply under state and federal law—check employer policy and any contract terms for specifics.
West Virginia FAQs
How do I use the West Virginia Paycheck Calculator?
Enter gross pay, pay schedule, WV withholding details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and state withholding.
What are West Virginia’s current income tax brackets?
Progressive brackets with reduced rates since 2023; the top marginal rate is about 5.12% after reform.
Do any West Virginia cities have a wage income tax?
No. There are no municipal percent-of-wages income taxes; your check includes federal, FICA, and state withholding only.
How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect my check?
They reduce taxable wages for income tax, increasing take-home pay; 401(k) generally doesn’t reduce FICA, while many health premiums do.
Are bonuses taxed differently in West Virginia?
State withholding follows West Virginia tables; federally, employers may use percentage or aggregate methods for supplemental wages.
Why did my West Virginia withholding change this year?
Rate reforms, form updates, benefit elections, or supplemental pay can alter per-check withholding even at the same salary.
What is West Virginia’s minimum wage?
West Virginia sets a statewide minimum wage by statute; employers must pay at least the current effective rate.