Charleston vs Morgantown: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Charleston, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,244 | $73,771▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.25 | $35.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,491▲ | $58,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,244▲ | $70,266 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,768 | $100,808▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,910▲ | $105,051 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Charleston and Morgantown are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charleston and Morgantown is $2,527 (3.55%). Morgantown's median is -27.52% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $41,419,Morgantown spans $46,390. Morgantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($80,305 effective) pays 1.59% more than Morgantown ($79,049 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,910)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,305)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,771/year)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Charleston grew 11.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$61,720 (2021) → $68,510 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$60,040 (2019) → $70,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Charleston or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Morgantown as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Charleston vs Morgantown?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov