Morgantown vs South Charleston: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Morgantown, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $293,014▲ | $206,235 |
| Hourly Rate | $140.87▲ | $99.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $238,068▲ | $142,691 |
| 25th Percentile | $240,151▲ | $183,347 |
| 75th Percentile | $347,728▲ | $245,438 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $400,118▲ | $271,377 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Charleston.
The salary gap between Morgantown and South Charleston is $86,779 (42.08%). Morgantown's median is +17.73% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $162,050,South Charleston spans $128,686. 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, Morgantown ($313,978 effective) pays 31.69% more than South Charleston ($238,422 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 ($293,014/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($400,118)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $313,978)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Morgantown grew 43.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$193,640 (2019) → $278,530 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$165,723 (2024) → $196,041 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Morgantown or South Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and South Charleston?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to South Charleston as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Morgantown vs South Charleston?
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