Morgantown vs Parkersburg: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Morgantown, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | Parkersburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,385▲ | $83,195 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.57▲ | $40.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,397▲ | $56,415 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,021▲ | $68,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,068▲ | $102,804 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,000▲ | $120,685 |
| Total Employed | 4,510▲ | 910 |
Verdict
Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Parkersburg.
The salary gap between Morgantown and Parkersburg is $1,190 (1.43%). Morgantown's median is -17.86% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $78,603,Parkersburg spans $64,270. Morgantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Parkersburg ($95,554 effective) pays 5.67% 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 Morgantown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,385/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,000)
- ✓Larger job market (4,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Parkersburg if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,554)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Morgantown grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$60,270 (2019) → $80,130 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$60,280 (2019) → $79,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Morgantown or Parkersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Parkersburg?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to Parkersburg as a registered nurse?
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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