Beckley vs Charleston: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Beckley, WV and Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beckley, WV | Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,617▲ | $57,469 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.70▲ | $27.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,017▲ | $45,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,089▲ | $50,831 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,160 | $65,153▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,504 | $71,284▲ |
| Total Employed | 470 | 670▲ |
Verdict
Beckley and Charleston are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Beckley and Charleston is $148 (0.26%). Beckley's median is -15.36% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beckley spans $18,487,Charleston spans $25,674. Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Beckley ($65,200 effective) pays 0.65% more than Charleston ($64,778 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beckley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,617/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,200)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,284)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Beckley grew 54.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Beckley, WV
$35,380 (2019) → $54,510 (2025)
Charleston, WV
$38,440 (2019) → $54,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beckley, WV
Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Beckley or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beckley and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Beckley to Charleston as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Beckley vs Charleston?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov