Charleston vs Morgantown: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $34,762 | $34,868▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $16.71 | $16.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,254 | $30,529▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $29,661 | $30,952▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $38,921 | $39,672▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,291 | $51,587▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Morgantown is $106 (0.30%). Morgantown's median is -25.90% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $21,037,Morgantown spans $21,058. Morgantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced emergency medical technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($39,183 effective) pays 4.87% more than Morgantown ($37,363 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,183)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($34,868/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,587)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Charleston grew 14.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.9% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$28,770 (2021) → $32,850 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$31,700 (2024) → $32,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Charleston or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Morgantown as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Charleston vs Morgantown?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov