Charleston vs Wheeling: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Charleston, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,762 | $56,147▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.88 | $26.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,146 | $41,935▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,654 | $48,437▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,843 | $68,195▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,045 | $81,023▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Wheeling is $4,385 (8.47%). Wheeling's median is -17.60% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $27,899,Wheeling spans $39,088. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheeling ($64,910 effective) pays 11.25% more than Charleston ($58,345 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 (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,147/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,023)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,910)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Charleston grew 37.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.8% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$35,760 (2019) → $49,110 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$36,780 (2019) → $53,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Charleston or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Wheeling as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Charleston vs Wheeling?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov