Morgantown vs Wheeling: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Morgantown, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,057 | $56,147▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.03 | $26.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,999 | $41,935▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,063 | $48,437▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,937 | $68,195▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,045 | $81,023▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Morgantown and Wheeling is $4,090 (7.86%). 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 Morgantown spans $35,046,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 16.36% 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 Morgantown if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 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 Morgantown grew 47.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.8% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$33,590 (2019) → $49,390 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$36,780 (2019) → $53,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Morgantown or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to Wheeling as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Morgantown 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