Martinsburg vs Morgantown: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Martinsburg, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Martinsburg, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,293▲ | $52,057 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.51▲ | $25.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,768▲ | $39,999 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,970▲ | $40,063 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,238▲ | $64,937 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,070▲ | $75,045 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Martinsburg, WV offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Martinsburg and Morgantown is $7,236 (13.90%). Martinsburg's median is -12.98% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Martinsburg spans $39,302,Morgantown spans $35,046. Martinsburg 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, Martinsburg ($68,547 effective) pays 22.88% more than Morgantown ($55,782 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Martinsburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,293/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,070)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,547)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Martinsburg grew 56.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.0% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Martinsburg, WV
$35,952 (2024) → $56,255 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$33,590 (2019) → $49,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Martinsburg, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Martinsburg or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Martinsburg and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Martinsburg to Morgantown as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Martinsburg vs Morgantown?
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