Charleston vs Huntington: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Charleston, WV and Huntington, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Huntington, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,968▲ | $111,030 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.41▲ | $53.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,953▲ | $70,005 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,560▲ | $81,728 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,475▲ | $129,811 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,094▲ | $138,342 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Huntington is $22,938 (20.66%). Charleston's median is +7.15% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $72,141,Huntington spans $68,337. Charleston 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, Charleston ($151,006 effective) pays 20.26% more than Huntington ($125,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,968/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,094)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,006)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Charleston grew 42.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in Huntington over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$90,910 (2019) → $129,250 (2025)
Huntington, WV
$83,610 (2019) → $107,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Huntington, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Charleston or Huntington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Huntington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Huntington as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Charleston vs Huntington?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov