Vet Tech salary

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

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

Morgantown, WV
$47,243
$22.71/hr
Wheeling, WV
$38,064
$18.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMorgantown, WVWheeling, WV
Median Salary$47,243$38,064
Hourly Rate$22.71$18.29
Entry Level (P10)$32,388$24,930
25th Percentile$39,278$30,162
75th Percentile$48,277$48,361
Top Earner (P90)$51,727$50,999
Total Employed5060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Morgantown ($47,243) and Wheeling ($38,064) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MorgantownWheelingMedian Salary$47,243$38,064Entry Level (P10)$32,388$24,930Top Earner (P90)$51,727$50,999US Median $49,986

Verdict

Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.

The salary gap between Morgantown and Wheeling is $9,179 (24.11%). 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,Wheeling spans $26,069. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$32,388
P25$39,278
Median$47,243
P75$48,277
P90 (Top)$51,727
Wheeling
P10 (Entry)$24,930
P25$30,162
Median$38,064
P75$48,361
P90 (Top)$50,999

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($50,623 effective) pays 17.46% more than Wheeling ($43,096 effective).

Morgantown
Nominal: $47,243
CoL Index: 93.323
Adjusted: $50,623
Wheeling
Nominal: $38,064
CoL Index: 88.323
Adjusted: $43,096

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,623)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Wheeling if…

  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • 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 22.5% growth in Wheeling over the same period.

Morgantown, WV

+20.9%

$37,030 (2019) → $44,780 (2025)

Wheeling, WV

+22.5%

$29,460 (2020) → $36,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Morgantown has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $47,243/year, compared to Wheeling at $38,064/year — a difference of $9,179 (24.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Wheeling?

Morgantown veterinary technologist and technicians earn $22.71/hr while Wheeling hygienists earn $18.29/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Morgantown and Wheeling. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Morgantown = $50,623, Wheeling = $43,096), job availability (50 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $32,388 in Morgantown and $24,930 in Wheeling. The Morgantown 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