Charleston vs Morgantown: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Charleston, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,719▲ | $132,550 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.28▲ | $63.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,712▲ | $103,026 |
| 25th Percentile | $120,271▲ | $112,429 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,954▲ | $135,654 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,310▲ | $163,306 |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Charleston and Morgantown is $1,169 (0.88%). Charleston's median is -2.30% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $59,598,Morgantown spans $60,280. Morgantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($150,725 effective) pays 6.12% more than Morgantown ($142,034 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,719/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,310)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,725)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Charleston grew 28.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.7% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$100,640 (2019) → $129,260 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$94,440 (2019) → $128,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Charleston or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Morgantown as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Charleston vs Morgantown?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov