Huntington vs Wheeling: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Huntington, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,649 | $61,264▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.71 | $29.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,172 | $49,531▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,603 | $54,985▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,357 | $64,572▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,682 | $68,811▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,390▲ | 440 |
Verdict
Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntington.
The salary gap between Huntington and Wheeling is $3,615 (6.27%). Wheeling's median is -10.00% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $16,510,Wheeling spans $19,280. Wheeling 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, Wheeling ($69,364 effective) pays 6.39% more than Huntington ($65,198 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,264/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,811)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,364)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Huntington grew 42.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 51.3% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$38,280 (2019) → $54,540 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$38,300 (2019) → $57,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Huntington or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Huntington to Wheeling as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Huntington vs Wheeling?
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