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Work Force
Take advantage of West Virginia’s work force, containing more than 30,000
skilled professionals in disciplines such as:
- Production supervisors
- Chemical and environmental sciences
- Chemical and plant operation
- Maintenance and repair
- Computers
 The
average industry wage in West Virginia is 94 percent of the average wage in the
competing states and 89 percent of the national average.
Any new company that creates 10 or more jobs qualifies for the award-winning Governor’s
Guaranteed Work Force Program, which provides training to new and/or existing employees.
Advanced training and technical assistance in machining, composite fabrication and
manufacturing technology is available from six institutions offering extensive,
industry-designed associate degree programs in chemical technologies specifically
to meet the work force needs of the industry. These institutions include:
 Education
West Virginia ensures a work force equipped to meet the challenges presented by
today's advanced technology.
Computer literacy is required in grades K through 12.
West Virginia's higher education system offers students degree programs in all facets
of today's high-technology industries, including biometrics.
Vocational facilities aid in meeting the expanding educational needs of the work
force.
Learn more about West Virginia’s quality education.
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Key Occupations Required
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W.Va. Supply
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WV
Average Wage
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U.S.
Average Wage
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WV %
of U.S.
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Management
analysts
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930
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$57,880
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$73,460
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79%
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General
and operations managers
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8,360
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$72,980
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$93,580
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78%
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Chemical plant and system
operators
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1,150
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$52,600
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$45,830
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115%
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Packaging and filling
machine operators and tenders
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960
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$29,850
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$24,580
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121%
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Mixing and blending
machine setters, operators and tenders
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490
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$29,870
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$29,760
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100%
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Chemical equipment operators
and tenders
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326
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$43,430
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$39,560
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110%
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First-line supervisors/managers
of production and operating workers
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3,740
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$47,510
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$48,290
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98%
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Maintenance and repair
workers, general
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8,370
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$26,240
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$32,290
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81%
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Chemists
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590
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$61,660
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$62,400
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99%
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Chemical engineers
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330
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$78,490
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$78,030
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101%
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Market research analysts
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278
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$62,980
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$64,130
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98%
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Computer programmers
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1,280
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$48,480
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$66480
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73%
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Chemical technicians
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790
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$43,950
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$40,040
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110%
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Computer systems analysts
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1,600
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$64,440
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$69,470
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93%
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Environmental scientists
and specialists, including health
|
600
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$41,460
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$56,280
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74%
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Computer software engineers,
applications
|
430
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$64,680
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$78,570
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82%
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics; U.S. and West Virginia Occupational Wages: 2004
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