Foreword

This guide was designed in an effort to advise and assist educators, students and parents. After reviewing this guide, secondary and adult students should be better prepared to make informed decisions when choosing career pathways, in the context of future earning potential specific to West Virginia.

Employment opportunities and wages are always a concern when students are exploring career choices. Wages and employment opportunities vary across industry, with employment preference given to those who hold industry credentials. This document details wage earning potential in entry-level occupations that West Virginia secondary and adult students are able to obtain through industry credentialing or career/technical program completion.

Secondary and adult students in West Virginia public schools have the opportunity to complete a technical concentration in one of six career clusters and acquire the skills necessary to obtain employment. Most students who complete career/technical concentrations in high school have the earning potential of at least 60 percent more than students who graduate from high school with a general diploma earning minimum wage.

After examining the employment statistics and wage projection data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the employment statistics it could be assumed those who learn a trade or technical skill have a higher earning potential and are less likely to become unemployed than those who do not acquire higher education or do not learn a trade or technical skill. Students choosing to complete programs in technical education have the opportunity to secure jobs with good wages and to work in their field.

This document does not provide a complete listing of all entry-level occupations that are available, but is offered as a starting point. The wage information was obtained from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics http://stats.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wv.htm. Wage averages and projections are for the Career Clusters, Career Majors and the Career Concentrations offered in West Virginia career and technical education programs and in the community/technical colleges.

If you would like additional information about this guide please contact, Donna Burge-Tetrick, Coordinator, Standards and Assessment, West Virginia Department of Education, 304-558-3110 ext. 520.

Dr. Steven L. PaineState Superintendent of Schools

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PERCENTAGE OF PROGRAM COMPLETERS

IN WEST VIRGINIA CAREER/TECHNICAL PROGRAMS

Pathway – Designation of a student’s intended postsecondary goal within the individualized student transition plan and the level and sequence of courses needed to achieve that goal. The three pathways are:

Professional (Baccalaureate Degree or above); Skilled (Associate Degree or Postsecondary Certificate); and Entry (entry into the workplace directly after high school).

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Earning Potential of West Virginia Technical Education GraduatesThere were 4,818 student completers of career/technical programs in West Virginia during the 2003-04 school year.

Clusters 04 Program Completers

West Virginia Cluster Average/ Potential Yearly Wages Per Person

National Cluster Average/ Potential Yearly Wages Per Person

Art and Humanities 257 $28,345.00 $39,204.00 Business & Marketing 633 $24,512.00 $30,893.00 Engineering/Technology 2,212 $28,470.00 $33,584.00 Health Services 1,077 $25,718.00 $30,178.00 Human Services 235 $20,224.00 $25,499.00 Science/Natural Resources 404 $21,829.00 $25,812.00 TOTAL 4,818

A completer is defined as a student who has completed, at minimum, the four required courses in any concentration.

Earning potential is based on students obtaining jobs in their field and working 40 hours a week. It should be realized that students who complete a career/technical concentration have a better opportunity for full-time employment with benefits than graduates from high school without a career/technical preparation and who gain employment in a minimum wage job.

All comparisons are made with a minimum annual wage earning potential of $10,712.00. This is the typical wage expectation for a high school graduate without a career/technical education. However, it should be noted that not every student without a career/technical education would be employed in a minimum wage job.

College credit is available for most career/technical programs in West Virginia high schools and career/technical centers. Current program accreditations, student credentials are presently available in the following areas:

STUDENT PROGRAM CREDENTIALS

ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION

STUDENT PROGRAM CREDENTIALS

ACCREDITING ORGANIZATION

Air Conditioning/Refrigeration ARI/GAMA, EPA CosmetologyWV State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Apprentiship Child Development Specialist US Bureau of Labor Dental Laboratory Dental Assisting National Board

ARIES TechnologiesComputer Technician, A+ Computer Technician Electrical Technology WV Fire Marshal’s Office

Automotive Technology ASE Graphic Communications Printing Industry of America

Basic Life Support (BLS) Health Care Provider American Heart Association

Health Care Foundation Standards Assessment Certificate NOCTI

Certified Dental AssistantDental Assisting National Board Home Health Aide

Homecare University/ The National Association for Home Care

Certified EKG TechnicianAmerican Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. Lodging Management

American Hotel & Lodging Association

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)American Association of Medical Assistants LPN WV State Nursing Board

Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT)

American Association for Medical Transcription Machine Tool Technology NIMS

Certified Nursing Assistant Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification Microsoft Training MOS Certification

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Oracle Oracle

Certified Phlebotomy TechnicianAmerican Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, Inc. ProStart National Restaurant Association

Cisco Networking CCNARegistered Medical Assistant (MA) American Medical Technologist

Collision Repair Technology ASERegistered Pharmacy Technician WV Board of Pharmacy

Community First Aid & Safety, Professional Rescuer American Red Cross

Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) American Medical Technologist

Conventional/Computer Aided Drafting ADDA Web Page Publishing Cisco Academy

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Cluster Averages of Yearly WagesCompared to Minimum Wage

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Projected Earning Potential Versus

Minimum Wage Income In West Virginia

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ARTS AND HUMANITIES CLUSTER

Careers in arts and humanities involve information and printing services. They include visual, performing and written expression. It is the creative and entertainment branch of learning and careers, and includes art, music, drama, language and social studies. Artists draw, paint, sculpt, create, photograph, and design in all kinds of mediums. Performers act, dance, sing, speak, demonstrate, and play musical instruments on stage, in movies, in videos, on TV and in many other places. Writers write books, plays, stories, and poetry. They research, write, and edit newspaper and magazine articles and columns. Surrounding these artists, performers, and writers are various support personnel helping to get the job done. They assist, sell, research, direct, display, process, repair, create, analyze, engineer, and guide the activities of these creative people.

Career Cluster - Arts and HumanitiesMajor: Communications

Average Yearly Wage WV $27,425 / National $38,424

Concentration Communications Technology

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyAudio and Video Equipment Technicians $20,980 $36,650 Broadcast Technicians $24,770 $33,560 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture $30,600 $41,690Choreographers $28,720 $38,250 Photographers $27,650 $31,200 Film and Video Editors $31,830 $49,190

Career Cluster - Arts and Humanities Major: Visual Design Average Yearly Wage

WV $29,264 / National $39,983

Concentration Conventional/Computer Aided DraftingGraphic DesignGraphic Communications

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyArchitectural and Civil Drafters $32,020 $40,750 Electrical and Electronics Drafters $39,300 $46,760Mechanical Drafters $35,260 $45,140Surveying and Mapping Technicians $28,070 $32,780 Computer Support Specialist $26,680 $43,620 Multi-Media Artists and Animators $30,330 $57,520 Graphic Designers $29,790 $42,120 Bindery Workers $20,300 $25,650 Job Printers $26,430 $33,750Printing Machine Operators $24,460 $31,740

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BUSINESS AND MARKETING CLUSTER

Business and marketing careers include a wide variety of entry-level occupations. These areas require varied levels of ability, skill, and technical preparation. Many careers are available in accounting, business administration, finance, insurance, sales, merchandising, secretarial and clerical. Some involve making decisions and supervising employees. Others provide assistance to executives.

Career Cluster – Business and MarketingMajor: Administrative Support

Average Yearly WageWV $25,268 / National $30,206

Concentration Administrative SupportE-Business PublishingMicrosoft Office Specialist

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyCounter and Rental Clerks $19,130 $21,770 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $23,480 $30,420 Customer Service Representatives $22,860 $29130 Desktop Publishers $24,210 $34,110Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $30,600 $36,790 Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $29,330 $32,810 Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $18,520 $24,770 Legal Secretaries $27,950 $38,280 Library Assistants, Clerical $16,300 $21,990 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators $21,860 $23,440Medical Secretaries $20,990 $27,900 Office Clerks, General $20,620 $24,170 Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers $20,240 $30,330 Postal Service Clerks $41,520 $41,230 Postal Service Mail Carriers $41,440 $43,370 Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors $31,820 $37,690 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $34,660 $37,650 Proofreaders and Copy Markers $18,680 $27,010 Receptionists and Information Clerks $18,520 $22,690 Stock Clerks and Order Fillers $19,670 $21,890 Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers $28,220 $26,880

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Career Cluster – Business and MarketingMajor: Finance/Accounting

Average Yearly Wage WV $24,812 / National $30,659

Concentration Finance/Accounting

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyBill and Account Collectors $23,120 $29,010 Billing and Posting Clerks and Machine Operators $21,850 $28,070 Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $26,410 $31,520 New Accounts Clerks $22,860 $28,180 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $34,660 $37,650 Shipping, Receiving, and Traffic Clerks $22,950 $25,850 Tax Preparers $21,830 $34,330

Career Cluster – Business and MarketingMajor: Marketing/Management

Average Yearly Wage WV $26,556 / National $33,802

Concentration Business ManagementMarketing / Management

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyAdvertising Sales Agents $37,000 $49,420 First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Retail Sales $30,760 $37,470 Telemarketers $23,010 $23,490 Cashiers $13,940 $17,250 Demonstrators and Product Promoters $20,920 $24,960 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing $42,690 $53,900 Travel Agents $17,570 $30,120

Career Cluster – Business and MarketingMajor: Information Technology

Average Yearly WageWV $25,410 / National $28,904

Concentration Information Technology

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyComputer Operators $27,300 $32,850 Data Entry Keyers $21,770 $24,380

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Word Processors and Typists $27,160 $29,480

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ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL CLUSTER

The Engineering/Technical cluster includes occupations involved with mechanical principles applied to practical situations and “hands on” techniques with machines and tools. Engineers and engineering technicians take part in the planning, design, and construction of buildings, roads, commercial ports, airplanes, automobiles and most of the products and equipment we use every day.

Career Cluster - Engineering/Technical Major: Construction Technology

Average Yearly Wage WV $27,790 / National $32,770

Concentration Facilities MaintenanceGeneral Building ConstructionMasonryElectrical TechnologyPlumbing

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyBrickmasons and Blockmasons $33,540 $42,480 Carpenters $29,230 $37,970 Carpet Installers $25,810 $36,860 Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $31,400 $34,030 Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $16,540 $19,400 Construction and Building Inspectors $33,490 $45,460 Construction Laborers $27,920 $28,830 Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $29,120 $36,830Electricians $40,420 $44,900 Glaziers $32,570 $36,680 Helpers—Brickmasons, Blockmasons, $23,250 $27,860 Helpers—Carpenters $18,700 $22,750 Helpers—Electricians $22,920 $24,890 Helpers—Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $22,990 $23,930Helpers—Roofers $16,080 $22,000 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters and Samplers $31.520 $31,210 Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers $18,540 $24,210 Painters, Construction and Maintenance $34,490 $33,010 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $39,630 $44,110 Roofers $27,330 $33,630 Tile and Marble Setters $28,100 $38,020

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Career Cluster - Engineering/Technical Major: Information Technology Support Systems

Average Yearly WageWV $34,776 / National $43,989

Concentration CISCO Networking AcademiesARIES TechnologiesComputer Systems and Operational Support Option IComputer Systems Maintenance Option I, II, or IIIElectronics Technology Average Yearly Wages

Occupations WV NationallyComputer Support Specialist $26,680 $43,670 Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer $34,340 $36,580Helpers—Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $22,300 $23,250 Network and Computer Systems Administrators $52,060 $61,470 Network Systems and Data Communications $41,120 $63,410 Medical Equipment Repairers $28,230 $38,930 Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $38,700 $40,660

Career Cluster -Engineering/Technical Major: Manufacturing/Production Technology

Average Yearly WageWV $25,922 / National $28,918

Concentration Machine Tool Technology Materials Distribution Welding Technology Computer Integrated ManufacturingMillwork and Cabinet Making Timber Industry Metals Technology

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyComputer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic $27,820 $31,650 Machine Feeders and Offbearers $18,840 $23,530Tool and Die Makers $34,970 $44,070 First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Helpers $44,590 $47,490 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators $27,660 $24,110 Packers and Packagers, Hand $18,540 $18,660 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $29,740 $31,070 Welders, Cutters, Soldersers, and Brazers $31,150 $32,050 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters $28,250 $32,020 Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, $19,550 $23,780 Furniture Finishers $19,010 $25,190 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers $20,230 $21,910 Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $19,910 $23,600 Team Assemblers $22,650 $25,720

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Career Cluster - Engineering/Technical Major: Mechanical Services Technology

Average Yearly WageWV $28,015 / National $30,447

Concentration Industrial Equipment Technology Air Conditioning/ Refrigeration TechnologyElectromechanical Technology Sheet Metal

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyElectric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $31,500 $33,520 Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers $25,030 $26,270 Helpers—Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $22,360 $23,250 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration $28,770 $38,060 Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $22,060 $22,820 Sheet Metal Workers $38,320 $38,760

Career Cluster - Engineering/TechnicalMajor: Transportation Technology

Average Yearly WageWV $25,845 / National $31,794

Concentration Automotive Technology Collision Repair Technology Diesel Equipment Technology Power Equipment Systems Agricultural and Industrial MechanicsAviation MechanicsOperation and Service, Heavy EquipmentTruck Driver Training

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyAutomotive Body and Related Repairers $29,810 $37,650 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $25,200 $34,550 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $29,600 $36,730 Motorboat Mechanics $21,040 $31,530 Motorcycle Mechanics $22,510 $30,380 Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $24,390 $26,340 Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $25,610 $30,630 Tire Repairers and Changers $18,690 $22,350 Truck Drivers, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer $28,690 $34,580 Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services $21,020 $26,790Automotive Body and Related Repairers $29,810 $37,650 Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $25,560 $29,080 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician $40,420 $47,190Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $20,800 $31,390 Driver/Sales Workers $22,950 $23,620

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Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $27,420 $28,230

HEALTH CLUSTER

Students preparing for health careers can enter programs leading to a certificate. Programs resulting in certificates or associate degrees are the minimum standard credential for many health related occupations. The health services industry provides many job opportunities for people with and without specialized postsecondary training.

Career Cluster - Health ServicesMajor: Diagnostic Services

Average Yearly WageWV $32,490/ National $35,915

Concentration Health Occupations ScienceTechnology

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyCardiovascular Technician $34,120 $39,710 Medical Lab Technician $30,860 $32,120

Career Cluster - Health ServicesMajor: Therapeutic

Average Yearly WageWV $21,144 / National $25,470

Concentration Dental AssistingMedical AssistingHealth Occupations Science Technology

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyDental Assistants $21,970 $29,060 Medical Assistants $20,160 $25,400Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics $19,220 $27,650 Home Health Aides $18,840 $18,980 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $27,600 $34,840 Nursing Aides, Orderlies, and Attendants $18,020 $21,610Occupational Therapist Aides $24,500 $26,030 Pharmacy Aides (Clerk) $14,980 $19,810Pharmacy Technicians $20,950 $24,700 Physical Therapist Aides $21,100 $23,160 Surgical Technologists $30,080 $34,770 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $16,300 $19,640

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Career Cluster - Health ServicesMajor: Health Information Services

Average Yearly WageWV $23,520 / National $29,150

Concentration Health Occupations Science Technology

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyMedical Transcriptionist $23,520 $29,150

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Human Services Cluster

This area of study is designed to provide learners with skills and opportunities necessary for entering various areas of personal and family services. Entry level areas include cosmetology, nail technician, childcare assistant, nanny, parent resource educator, teacher aides, hospitality worker, dispatcher, EMT, fire fighter, first responder, hazardous material responder, rescue worker, police officer, correctional officer and security guard careers.

Career Cluster – Human ServicesMajor: Personal and Family Services

Average Yearly WageWV $18,175 / National $20,270

Concentration CosmetologyChild Development Specialist

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyHairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $17,950 $22,770 Manicurists and Pedicurists $18,830 $20,080 Child Care Worker $14,940 $17,830 Teacher Assistant $20,980 $20,400

Career Cluster – Human ServicesMajor: Public Safety/Legal Services

Average Yearly WageWV $25,305 / National $35,808

Concentration Emergency and Fire Management ServicesCorrectionsSecurity/Protective ServicesLaw Enforcement

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyEmergency Management Specialists $31,910 $49,350 Correctional Officer I (Regional Jail) $20,124* $35,970Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators $27,740 $28,470 Security Guards $18,240 $22,070 Parking Enforcement Workers $19,450 $29,890Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers $30,680 $46,180Private Detectives and Investigators $29,760 $36,330Dispatchers, Police, Fire, and Ambulance $20,240 $30,330Dispatchers, (except Police, Fire, and Ambulance) $27,220 $33,310 State Police Officer-average for 1st Year of Training $27,690* $46,180 2nd Year as a WV State Police Officer-$30,752

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*Represents agencies that were personally contacted for wage information

Career Cluster – Human ServicesMajor: HospitalityAverage Yearly Wage

WV $17,193 / National $20,419

Concentration ProStart Restaurant ManagementLodging Management

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyHosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $13,910 $16,260Waiters and Waitresses $16,680 $15,930Bakers $18,600 $22,820Tour Guides and Escorts $17,650 $20,640 Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $13,080 $16,780 Gaming Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $16,430 $20,890Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $14,780 $18,570 Chefs and Head Cooks $26,410 $34,160

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Science/Natural Resources Cluster

Science and natural resources include research and development science, agriculture, agribusiness, agriculture production and natural resources. Research and developmental science include occupations in the area of physical, biological, environmental earth, space sciences, and mathematics. Agriculture and supporting industries employ large numbers of workers. Natural Resources, including the timber industry, fish, and wildlife and recreation management, provide additional career opportunities. Growing career areas include horticulture, research, biotechnology, environmental technology, etc.

Career Cluster – Science/Natural ResourcesMajor: Agriculture and Agribusiness

Average Yearly WageWV $20,983 / National $25,131

Concentration Agriscience and Agricultural Production SystemsAnimal Systems Plant SystemsPower Structure and Technical SystemsBusiness SystemsFood Products and Processing Systems

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyFarmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $18,940 $16,780 Farmworkers, Farm and Ranch Animals $17,410 $18,870 Nonfarm Animal Caretakers $15,520 $19,220 Slaughterers and Meat Packers $17,030 $21,220 Meat and Poultry Processing $18,260 $19,970 First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Landscaping $31,610 $38,230 Purchasing Agents and Buyers, Farm Products $30,150 $49,980 Greenhouse and Nursery Production $18,940 $16,780

Career Cluster – Science/Natural ResourcesMajor: Natural Resources

Average Yearly WageWV $22,675 / National $26,493

Concentration Environmental Service Systems Fish and Wildlife Management Forestry

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyRefuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $23,050 $27,810 Landscaping and Grounds Keeping Workers $17,470 $22,080 Log Graders and Scalers $24,250 $27,480

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Logging Equipment Operators $25,930 $28,600

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Technical Skills Training for all Students

All secondary students have the opportunity to acquire technical skills in the West Virginia public school system. Technical skills are taught to current industry standards as defined by employers and national licensing/accrediting organizations. Most career/technical concentrations offer a recognized industry credential that assists students in obtaining employment or continuing education and training.

This research shows that students who complete career/technical concentrations have the potential to make over 60 percent higher wages than those who work for minimum wage.

ClustersCluster Average/ Yearly Wages

Per Person

Arts and Humanities $28,345.00Business & Marketing $24,512.00Engineering/Technical $28,470.00Health Services $25,718.00Human Services $20,224.00Science/Natural Resources $21,829.00Minimum Wage* $10,712.00

*Minimum Wage was determined by using $5.15/hour x 40 hours/week x 52 weeks = $10,712.00

All yearly wages were based on students obtaining jobs at rates of pay determined by the hour x 40 hours/week x 52 weeks.

Cluster Averages of yearly wages per individual were determined by adding total yearly wages for cluster completers divided by the total number of completers.

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COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGES

Earn a Degree-Graduate Early (EDGE) was established in an effort to connect public schools and higher education.

Students enrolled in technical and adult education classes have the opportunity to receive EDGE credit for many of the courses. The student must pass the EDGE approved course and score at least 74% on the End-Of-Course Technical Skills Test provided by the West Virginia Department of Education.

Students who participate in the EDGE initiative have the opportunity to receive tuition free college credit from several colleges throughout the state.

Samples of wage projections are listed in this document to assist individuals completing a secondary career/technical program. There are many high wage careers available to individuals who choose post secondary education in one of the many community and technical colleges in West Virginia.

Associate Degree Community and Technical Colleges of West Virginia

Career Cluster – Arts and HumanitiesAverage Yearly Wage

WV $27,674 / National $34,484

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyBroadcast Technicians $24,770 $33,560 Photographers $27,650 $31,200 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture $30,600 $41,690

Associate Degree Community and Technical Colleges of West Virginia

Career Cluster – Business/MarketingAverage Yearly Wage

WV $40,672 / National $50,236

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyAdvertising Sales Agents $37,000 $49,420 Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate $29,450 $49,350 Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $40,500 $47,310 Legal Secretaries $27,950 $38,280 Paralegals and Legal Assistants $29,500 $41,490 Real Estate Brokers $81,930 $77,850 Real Estate Sales Agents $38,370 $47,950

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Associate Degree Community and Technical Colleges of West Virginia

Career Cluster – Engineering/TechnicalAverage Yearly Wage

WV $38,123 / National $44,627

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyAerospace Engineering and Operation Technicians $73,270 $80,460 Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technicians $40,420 $47,190 Architectural and Civil Drafters $32,020 $46,750 Civil Engineering Technicians $34,770 $39,900 Computer Support Specialists $26,680 $43,620 Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $34,340 $36,580 Electrical and Electronics Drafters $39,300 $46,760Environmental Engineering Technicians $41,920 $40,660Industrial Engineering Technicians $45,150 $47,080Mechanical Drafters $35,260 $45,140Mechanical Engineering Technicians $35,670 $45,050Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $25,640 $34,900Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $31,150 $32,050

Associate Degree Community and Technical Colleges of West Virginia

Career Cluster – Health ServicesAverage Yearly Wage

WV $35,790 / National $42,163

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyCardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $34,120 $39,710 Dental Hygienists $42,470 $59,440Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $43,860 $53,620 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics $19,220 $27,650Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians $30,860 $32,120 Occupational Therapist Assistants $37,650 $38,460 Physical Therapist Assistants $34,010 $37,730Radiation Therapists $53,460 $60,420Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $37,640 $44,530Registered Nurses $46,890 $54,210Respiratory Therapists $37,420 $44,180Respiratory Therapy Technicians $34,110 $37,440Surgical Technologists $30,080 $34,770Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $19,260 $25,990

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Associate Degree Community and Technical Colleges of West Virginia

Career Cluster – Human ServicesAverage Yearly Wage

WV $29,595 / National $41,010

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyInterpreters and Translators $24,390 $36,630Chefs and Head Cooks $26,410 $34,160Court Reporters $36,900 $47,070Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers $30,680 $46,180

Associate Degree Community and Technical Colleges of West Virginia

Career Cluster - Science and Natural ResourcesAverage Yearly Wage

WV $33,024 / National $38,860

Average Yearly WagesOccupations WV NationallyBiological Technicians $29,960 $35,450Environmental Science and Protection Technicians $29,760 $37,230Forensic Science Technicians $32,060 $47,490Forest and Conservation Technicians $34,530 $30,770Geological and Petroleum Technicians $39,150 $43,360

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