Morgantown vs South Charleston: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare medical and clinical laboratory technologist 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 | $68,275▲ | $64,535 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.82▲ | $31.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,210 | $42,050▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,619▲ | $49,612 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,134▲ | $79,940 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,695▲ | $95,220 |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for medical and clinical laboratory technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Charleston.
The salary gap between Morgantown and South Charleston is $3,740 (5.80%). Morgantown's median is -0.67% compared to the US national median of $68,734.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $55,485,South Charleston spans $53,170. 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 ($74,607 effective) pays 1.98% more than Morgantown ($73,160 effective).
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 ($68,275/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,695)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,607)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical and clinical laboratory technologist salaries in Morgantown grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.0% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$49,150 (2019) → $66,261 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$46,402 (2024) → $62,631 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical and clinical laboratory technologists 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 medical and clinical laboratory technologist?
What do entry-level medical and clinical laboratory technologists earn in Morgantown vs South Charleston?
Written by Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP)
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in clinical laboratory science. She specializes in molecular diagnostics. She works at a large metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.04% 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 Alexandra Choi, MS, MT(ASCP), a licensed medical and clinical laboratory technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov