Morgantown vs South Charleston: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Morgantown, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,447 | $116,514▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.98 | $56.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,555▲ | $67,578 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,853▲ | $94,842 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,905▲ | $134,697 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,130▲ | $158,293 |
| Total Employed | 8▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Morgantown and South Charleston are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Morgantown and South Charleston is $67 (0.06%). South Charleston's median is -17.14% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $102,575,South Charleston spans $90,715. Morgantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Charleston ($134,698 effective) pays 0.06% more than Morgantown ($134,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,130)
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,514/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,698)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Morgantown grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$95,236 (2024) → $113,099 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$95,291 (2024) → $113,164 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Morgantown or South Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and South Charleston?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to South Charleston as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Morgantown vs South Charleston?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov