Charleston vs Morgantown: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy 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 | $39,993 | $40,405▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.23 | $19.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,444 | $33,857▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,148 | $39,055▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,836 | $49,051▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,727▲ | $50,316 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Charleston and Morgantown are closely matched on overall pharmacy technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charleston and Morgantown is $412 (1.03%). Morgantown's median is -16.24% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $18,283,Morgantown spans $16,459. Charleston 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, Charleston ($45,079 effective) pays 4.12% more than Morgantown ($43,296 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,727)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,079)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,405/year)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Charleston grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.0% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$28,550 (2019) → $37,930 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$28,600 (2019) → $38,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Charleston or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Morgantown as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Charleston vs Morgantown?
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov