Morgantown vs Parkersburg: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Morgantown, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | Parkersburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,372 | $98,536▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.30 | $47.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,058▲ | $76,579 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,089 | $79,191▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,647 | $109,192▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,747 | $127,204▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Parkersburg, WV offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Morgantown and Parkersburg is $164 (0.17%). Parkersburg's median is -6.41% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $43,689,Parkersburg spans $50,625. Parkersburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Parkersburg ($113,174 effective) pays 7.37% more than Morgantown ($105,410 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 (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Parkersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,536/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,204)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,174)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Morgantown grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$87,070 (2019) → $96,010 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$78,530 (2019) → $96,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Morgantown or Parkersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Parkersburg?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to Parkersburg as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Morgantown vs Parkersburg?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov