Fairmont vs Morgantown: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Fairmont, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairmont, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,745 | $77,488▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.49 | $37.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,365▲ | $50,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,017 | $66,417▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,504 | $82,777▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,103 | $97,269▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairmont.
The salary gap between Fairmont and Morgantown is $5,743 (8.00%). Morgantown's median is -24.73% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairmont spans $26,738,Morgantown spans $46,961. Morgantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($83,032 effective) pays 0.11% more than Fairmont ($82,942 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairmont if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,488/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,269)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,032)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Fairmont grew 22.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Fairmont, WV
$55,764 (2020) → $68,368 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$57,550 (2020) → $73,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairmont, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Fairmont or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairmont and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Fairmont to Morgantown as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Fairmont vs Morgantown?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov