Huntington vs Morgantown: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Huntington, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,312▲ | $84,385 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.02▲ | $40.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,145▲ | $64,397 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,194▲ | $70,021 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,289▲ | $105,068 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,269 | $143,000▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,580▲ | 4,510 |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Huntington and Morgantown is $927 (1.10%). Huntington's median is -16.96% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $65,124,Morgantown spans $78,603. Morgantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntington ($96,483 effective) pays 6.70% more than Morgantown ($90,423 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,312/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,483)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,000)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Huntington grew 29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$62,680 (2019) → $81,010 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$60,270 (2019) → $80,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Huntington or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Huntington to Morgantown as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Huntington vs Morgantown?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov