Morgantown vs Parkersburg: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $114,962 | $116,416▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.27 | $55.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,918 | $80,808▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,952 | $93,873▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,762 | $147,648▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,235 | $175,426▲ |
| Total Employed | 8▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Parkersburg, WV offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Morgantown and Parkersburg is $1,454 (1.26%). Parkersburg's median is -6.89% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $96,317,Parkersburg spans $94,618. Morgantown 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, Parkersburg ($134,585 effective) pays 1.26% more than Morgantown ($132,904 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 (8 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Parkersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,416/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,426)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,585)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Morgantown grew 18.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.6% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$93,930 (2019) → $110,914 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$77,152 (2024) → $112,316 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Morgantown or Parkersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Parkersburg?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to Parkersburg as a electrical engineer?
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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