Vet Tech salary

Morgantown vs South Charleston: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Morgantown, WV
$47,243
$22.71/hr
South Charleston, WV
$41,419
$19.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMorgantown, WVSouth Charleston, WV
Median Salary$47,243$41,419
Hourly Rate$22.71$19.92
Entry Level (P10)$32,388$32,953
25th Percentile$39,278$34,578
75th Percentile$48,277$48,193
Top Earner (P90)$51,727$50,550
Total Employed505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Morgantown ($47,243) and South Charleston ($41,419) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MorgantownSouth CharlestonMedian Salary$47,243$41,419Entry Level (P10)$32,388$32,953Top Earner (P90)$51,727$50,550US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Morgantown and South Charleston is $5,824 (14.06%). 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 Morgantown spans $19,339,South Charleston spans $17,597. Morgantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$32,388
P25$39,278
Median$47,243
P75$48,277
P90 (Top)$51,727
South Charleston
P10 (Entry)$32,953
P25$34,578
Median$41,419
P75$48,193
P90 (Top)$50,550

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($50,623 effective) pays 5.72% more than South Charleston ($47,883 effective).

Morgantown
Nominal: $47,243
CoL Index: 93.323
Adjusted: $50,623
South Charleston
Nominal: $41,419
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $47,883

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose South Charleston if…

  • 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 Morgantown grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.1% growth in South Charleston over the same period.

Morgantown, WV

+20.9%

$37,030 (2019) → $44,780 (2025)

South Charleston, WV

+48.1%

$26,516 (2024) → $39,260 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Morgantown has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,243/year, compared to South Charleston at $41,419/year — a difference of $5,824 (14.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and South Charleston?

Morgantown veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.71/hr while South Charleston hygienists earn $19.92/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Morgantown and South Charleston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Morgantown = $50,623, South Charleston = $47,883), job availability (50 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,388 in Morgantown and $32,953 in South Charleston. The South Charleston 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