How West Virginia Taxes Your Paycheck
West Virginia uses a progressive income tax with 5 brackets. Rates start at 2.22% on the lowest earnings and rise to 4.82% on income above $60,000 for single filers.
West Virginia has been gradually cutting tax rates — the top rate dropped from 6.5% to 4.82% over the past few years.
West Virginia Job Market Context
Coal mining and natural gas, healthcare, and education (West Virginia University in Morgantown).
Top Cities in West Virginia
The largest population centers in West Virginia:
- Charleston — 47,000 residents
- Huntington — 45,000 residents
- Morgantown — 30,000 residents
How West Virginia Compares to Neighboring States
Single-filer take-home on a $75,000 annual salary in 2026, federal + state income tax + FICA only:
| State | Take-Home | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (here) | $58,912 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $59,290 | +$378 |
| Maryland | $58,394 | -$519 |
| Virginia | $58,080 | -$833 |
| Kentucky | $59,082 | +$170 |
| Ohio | $60,312 | +$1,400 |
Take-home reflects single filer, no pre-tax deductions; SDI/PFML and local taxes excluded for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the West Virginia state income tax rate?
West Virginia has progressive income tax brackets ranging from 2.22% to 4.82%. Most middle-income earners hit the middle brackets; the top rate applies only above $60,000.
How much is taken out of my paycheck in West Virginia?
For a single filer earning $75,000 in West Virginia (2026), expect roughly $7,670 in federal income tax, $5,738 in FICA, and $2,680 in West Virginia state tax — leaving about $58,912 take-home (21.5% effective tax rate). SDI/PFML and local taxes (if any) come out of that as well.
Is the West Virginia median household income enough to live comfortably?
The 2023 ACS reported a West Virginia median household income of about $60,800. Whether that's "comfortable" depends heavily on city — Charleston cost of living can differ substantially from rural areas. Use the calculator above to model your specific salary and deductions.
How does this West Virginia paycheck calculator work?
We calculate your annualized gross pay based on the pay frequency you select, then apply the 2025 or 2026 IRS percentage method for federal income tax, the West Virginia state tax schedule (if any), Social Security, and Medicare. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and Section 125 health premiums reduce your taxable base before withholding is computed. You can switch between salary and hourly modes; hourly mode applies time-and-a-half to hours over 40/week prorated by pay period.