Martinsburg vs Morgantown: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Martinsburg, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Martinsburg, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,278▲ | $53,273 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.83▲ | $25.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,735▲ | $50,662 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,487▲ | $52,681 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,375▲ | $64,340 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,426▲ | $67,574 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Martinsburg, WV offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Martinsburg and Morgantown is $15,005 (28.17%). Martinsburg's median is +0.30% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Martinsburg spans $27,691,Morgantown spans $16,912. Martinsburg 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, Martinsburg ($78,934 effective) pays 38.28% more than Morgantown ($57,085 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Martinsburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,278/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,426)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,934)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Larger job market (630 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 Martinsburg grew 64.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.9% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Martinsburg, WV
$39,221 (2024) → $64,596 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$36,560 (2019) → $50,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Martinsburg, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Martinsburg or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Martinsburg and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Martinsburg to Morgantown as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Martinsburg vs Morgantown?
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