Morgantown vs Wheeling: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Morgantown, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,273 | $61,264▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.61 | $29.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,662▲ | $49,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,681 | $54,985▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,340 | $64,572▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,574 | $68,811▲ |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 440 |
Verdict
Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Morgantown and Wheeling is $7,991 (15.00%). 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 Morgantown spans $16,912,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 21.51% 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 Morgantown if…
- ✓Larger job market (630 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 Morgantown grew 37.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 51.3% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$36,560 (2019) → $50,400 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$38,300 (2019) → $57,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Morgantown or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to Wheeling as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Morgantown 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