Charleston vs Clarksburg: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Charleston, WV and Clarksburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Clarksburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,469▲ | $53,468 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.63▲ | $25.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,610▲ | $45,204 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,831 | $51,035▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,153▲ | $62,647 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,284▲ | $64,995 |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clarksburg.
The salary gap between Charleston and Clarksburg is $4,001 (7.48%). Charleston's median is -15.57% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $25,674,Clarksburg spans $19,791. Charleston 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, Charleston ($64,778 effective) pays 4.80% more than Clarksburg ($61,813 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 ($57,469/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,284)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,778)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Clarksburg if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Charleston grew 41.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.4% growth in Clarksburg over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$38,440 (2019) → $54,370 (2025)
Clarksburg, WV
$38,509 (2024) → $50,585 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Clarksburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Charleston or Clarksburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Clarksburg?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Clarksburg as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Charleston vs Clarksburg?
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