State
Businesses in West Virginia by trade
35,839 employer establishments in 2023, employing 551,240 people (−1.9% establishments since 2017).
WEST VIRGINIA · ALL INDUSTRIES
35,839
establishments with paid employees
- Employees
- 551,240
- Average per site
- 15.4
- Change since 2017
- −1.9%
- Annual payroll
- $28.4 billion
The 12 trades in West Virginia
| Trade | Sites | Employees | Since 2017 | State rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service restaurants | 1,234 | 23,777 | +3.4% | 42 |
| Coffee shops and snack bars | 241 | 2,478 | +50.6% | 47 |
| Beauty salons | 277 | 1,357 | +1.8% | 44 |
| Barber shops | 17 | 97 | +54.5% | 46 |
| Plumbing and HVAC contractors | 406 | 2,981 | +3.0% | 43 |
| Roofing contractors | 98 | 733 | +18.1% | 42 |
| Landscaping services | 402 | 2,048 | +20.4% | 45 |
| Janitorial services | 194 | 2,892 | +12.1% | 50 |
| Child day care | 407 | 5,031 | +12.1% | 41 |
| General auto repair | 459 | 1,846 | +8.5% | 42 |
| Fitness centers | 118 | 1,566 | −7.8% | 45 |
| Pet care services | 98 | 468 | +50.8% | 43 |
Largest industry groups in West Virginia
The twelve three-digit NAICS groups with the most employer establishments.
| Industry group | Sites | Employees | Since 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Services and Drinking Places | 3,271 | 55,470 | +1.3% |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services | 2,987 | 40,362 | −0.4% |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 2,694 | 24,395 | −4.6% |
| Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations | 2,250 | 11,347 | −5.9% |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | 1,809 | 15,628 | +0.1% |
| Administrative and Support Services | 1,352 | 30,019 | +3.7% |
| Social Assistance | 1,182 | 24,423 | +4.0% |
| Construction of Buildings | 1,160 | 6,028 | +7.3% |
| Real Estate | 1,140 | 3,787 | +2.9% |
| Repair and Maintenance | 1,074 | 6,079 | +2.6% |
| Personal and Laundry Services | 931 | 4,999 | +6.0% |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities | 928 | 10,038 | −11.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns (2023; change measured against 2017, 2019 and 2022). Establishments with paid employees only; employment and payroll carry Census noise infusion. Retrieved November 2, 2026. Method and sources.