Vet Tech salary

Fairmont vs Morgantown: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Fairmont, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fairmont, WV
$40,236
$19.35/hr
Morgantown, WV
$47,243
$22.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFairmont, WVMorgantown, WV
Median Salary$40,236$47,243
Hourly Rate$19.35$22.71
Entry Level (P10)$33,441$32,388
25th Percentile$34,629$39,278
75th Percentile$47,794$48,277
Top Earner (P90)$50,685$51,727
Total Employed450
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fairmont ($40,236) and Morgantown ($47,243) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.FairmontMorgantownMedian Salary$40,236$47,243Entry Level (P10)$33,441$32,388Top Earner (P90)$50,685$51,727US Median $49,986

Verdict

Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairmont.

The salary gap between Fairmont and Morgantown is $7,007 (17.41%). Morgantown's median is -5.49% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairmont spans $17,244,Morgantown spans $19,339. Morgantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Fairmont
P10 (Entry)$33,441
P25$34,629
Median$40,236
P75$47,794
P90 (Top)$50,685
Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$32,388
P25$39,278
Median$47,243
P75$48,277
P90 (Top)$51,727

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($50,623 effective) pays 8.83% more than Fairmont ($46,516 effective).

Fairmont
Nominal: $40,236
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $46,516
Morgantown
Nominal: $47,243
CoL Index: 93.323
Adjusted: $50,623

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fairmont if…

  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Morgantown if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,243/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($51,727)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,623)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Fairmont grew 48.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Morgantown over the same period.

Fairmont, WV

+48.1%

$25,758 (2024) → $38,138 (2025)

Morgantown, WV

+20.9%

$37,030 (2019) → $44,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Fairmont or Morgantown?

Morgantown has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,243/year, compared to Fairmont at $40,236/year — a difference of $7,007 (17.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fairmont and Morgantown?

Fairmont veterinary technologist and technicians earn $19.35/hr while Morgantown hygienists earn $22.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fairmont to Morgantown as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fairmont and Morgantown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fairmont = $46,516, Morgantown = $50,623), job availability (4 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Fairmont vs Morgantown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $33,441 in Fairmont and $32,388 in Morgantown. The Fairmont area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov