Charleston vs Wheeling: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Charleston, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $294,823▲ | $205,082 |
| Hourly Rate | $141.75▲ | $98.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $243,685▲ | $141,673 |
| 25th Percentile | $244,432▲ | $182,719 |
| 75th Percentile | $305,785▲ | $251,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,785▲ | $283,120 |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Charleston and Wheeling is $89,741 (43.76%). Charleston's median is +18.45% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $62,100,Wheeling spans $141,447. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($332,318 effective) pays 40.17% more than Wheeling ($237,089 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 ($294,823/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($305,785)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $332,318)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Charleston grew 44.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.3% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$194,630 (2019) → $280,250 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$190,530 (2019) → $194,945 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Charleston or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Wheeling as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Charleston vs Wheeling?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov