In May 2018, the Charleston, WV metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had a civilian employment count similar to that of Raleigh, NC, with approximately 629,570 people employed according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (excluding self-employed and household workers). Over the decade from 2008 to 2018, the greater Charleston, WV labor market saw employment growth of about 22.11%, rising from 515,570 to 629,570. This local growth far surpassed the national employment growth rate of 7.06% over the same period, indicating a robust upward trend in Charleston’s employment landscape.
In 2018, Charleston’s estimated labor market of 629,570 workers broke down across various occupational categories. Here is a detailed breakdown of the labor distribution by percentage:
- Management occupations: 31,060 (4.93%)
- Business and financial operations occupations: 40,100 (6.37%)
- Computer and mathematical occupations: 35,840 (5.69%)
- Architecture and engineering occupations: 15,520 (2.47%)
- Life, physical, and social science occupations: 8,670 (1.38%)
- Community and social service occupations: 7,140 (1.13%)
- Legal occupations: 4,990 (0.79%)
- Education, training, and library occupations: 38,010 (6.04%)
- Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations: 7,810 (1.24%)
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations: 33,420 (5.31%)
- Healthcare support occupations: 14,110 (2.24%)
- Protective service occupations: 13,800 (2.19%)
- Food preparation and serving-related occupations: 59,650 (9.47%)
- Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations: 19,770 (3.14%)
- Personal care and service occupations: 20,040 (3.18%)
- Sales and related occupations: 74,590 (11.85%)
- Office and administrative support occupations: 91,370 (14.51%)
- Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations: 510 (0.08%)
- Construction and extraction occupations: 28,420 (4.51%)
- Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations: 25,930 (4.12%)
- Production occupations: 22,360 (3.55%)
- Transportation and material moving occupations: 36,450 (5.79%)
These numbers highlight a diverse employment landscape in Charleston, with notable representation across a range of occupational fields, particularly in sales, office support, food service, and healthcare. Each of these categories plays a crucial role in driving Charleston’s economic vitality, from technical and healthcare roles that support the wellbeing of the community, to service-based positions that contribute significantly to Charleston’s vibrant hospitality and retail sectors.
Charleston, WV, is home to several prominent employers contributing to the region’s economic stability and job growth. Notable organizations in the Charleston area include:
- Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC): 7,000+ employees
- State of West Virginia: 6,000+ employees
- Kanawha County Schools: 3,500+ employees
- Walmart: 3,000+ employees
- NGK Spark Plugs: 1,800+ employees
- Appalachian Power: 1,500+ employees
- West Virginia University: 1,200+ employees
- City of Charleston: 1,000+ employees
- Suddenlink Communications: 1,000+ employees
- Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia: 900+ employees
- Moses Auto Group: 800+ employees
- Union Carbide Corporation: 800+ employees
- Thomas Memorial Hospital: 700+ employees
- DOW Chemical Company: 700+ employees
- CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital: 600+ employees
- AT&T: 500+ employees
- Federal government agencies (various): 500+ employees
This diverse range of employers highlights Charleston’s strength across multiple sectors, from healthcare and education to manufacturing and public utilities. Institutions such as Charleston Area Medical Center play a significant role in healthcare, while the State of West Virginia, Toyota, and Appalachian Power contribute substantially to government, manufacturing, and energy sectors, respectively.
With his extensive knowledge of Charleston’s labor market, Dr. Hankins provides specialized vocational rehabilitation counseling, consulting, and expert witness services. His deep understanding of the Charleston employment environment enables him to offer accurate assessments of individuals’ employment and earning potentials. In his role as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, Dr. Hankins supports clients in identifying suitable vocational goals and creating tailored rehabilitation plans to help them realize their employment objectives.
In legal and forensic contexts, Dr. Hankins offers comprehensive, independent vocational and economic evaluations, providing well-supported conclusions regarding vocational disabilities and/or economic losses. This service is invaluable in cases where the extent of an individual’s vocational disability or financial loss needs to be clearly understood and defensible. By leveraging Charleston’s specific labor market insights, Dr. Hankins ensures that his evaluations are grounded in local economic realities.
For those interested in learning more, please reach out to Hankins & Hankins Vocational Consulting to discover how we can assist you with expert vocational assessments, career counseling, and legal support services tailored to Charleston’s unique labor market.
