Morgantown vs South Charleston: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist 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 | $51,324 | $51,352▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.67 | $24.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,662▲ | $31,123 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,267▲ | $38,773 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,694 | $65,731▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,552 | $79,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 8▲ | 5 |
Verdict
South Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Morgantown and South Charleston is $28 (0.05%). South Charleston's median is -17.14% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $47,890,South Charleston spans $48,474. South Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Charleston ($59,366 effective) pays 0.05% more than Morgantown ($59,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,352/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,597)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,366)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Morgantown grew 5.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 62.4% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$45,880 (2024) → $48,405 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$29,830 (2024) → $48,432 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists 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 massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Morgantown vs South Charleston?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov