Veterinarian Salary

Morgantown vs Parkersburg: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

Compare veterinarian salaries between Morgantown, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Morgantown, WV
$140,384
$67.50/hr
Parkersburg, WV
$115,170
$55.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMorgantown, WVParkersburg, WV
Median Salary$140,384$115,170
Hourly Rate$67.50$55.37
Entry Level (P10)$57,530$72,058
25th Percentile$84,585$94,075
75th Percentile$168,917$147,083
Top Earner (P90)$168,917$178,514
Total Employed505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Morgantown ($140,384) and Parkersburg ($115,170) veterinarian salaries.MorgantownParkersburgMedian Salary$140,384$115,170Entry Level (P10)$57,530$72,058Top Earner (P90)$168,917$178,514US Median $137,334

Verdict

Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Parkersburg.

The salary gap between Morgantown and Parkersburg is $25,214 (21.89%). Morgantown's median is +2.22% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $111,387,Parkersburg spans $106,456. Morgantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$57,530
P25$84,585
Median$140,384
P75$168,917
P90 (Top)$168,917
Parkersburg
P10 (Entry)$72,058
P25$94,075
Median$115,170
P75$147,083
P90 (Top)$178,514

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Morgantown ($150,428 effective) pays 12.98% more than Parkersburg ($133,145 effective).

Morgantown
Nominal: $140,384
CoL Index: 93.323
Adjusted: $150,428
Parkersburg
Nominal: $115,170
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $133,145

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Morgantown if…

  • Higher median salary ($140,384/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,428)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Parkersburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($178,514)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Morgantown grew 74.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.

Morgantown, WV

+74.6%

$76,189 (2024) → $132,990 (2025)

Parkersburg, WV

+41.4%

$77,152 (2024) → $109,104 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Morgantown or Parkersburg?

Morgantown has a higher median veterinarian salary at $140,384/year, compared to Parkersburg at $115,170/year — a difference of $25,214 (21.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Parkersburg?

Morgantown veterinarians earn $67.50/hr while Parkersburg hygienists earn $55.37/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Morgantown to Parkersburg as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Morgantown and Parkersburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Morgantown = $150,428, Parkersburg = $133,145), job availability (50 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Morgantown vs Parkersburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $57,530 in Morgantown and $72,058 in Parkersburg. The Parkersburg area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov