Electrical Engineer Salary

Morgantown vs Wheeling: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare electrical engineer salaries between Morgantown, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Morgantown, WV
$114,962
$55.27/hr
Wheeling, WV
$120,079
$57.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMorgantown, WVWheeling, WV
Median Salary$114,962$120,079
Hourly Rate$55.27$57.73
Entry Level (P10)$77,918$88,818
25th Percentile$90,952$101,287
75th Percentile$146,762$142,229
Top Earner (P90)$174,235$167,550
Total Employed850
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Morgantown ($114,962) and Wheeling ($120,079) electrical engineer salaries.MorgantownWheelingMedian Salary$114,962$120,079Entry Level (P10)$77,918$88,818Top Earner (P90)$174,235$167,550US Median $125,033

Verdict

Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.

The salary gap between Morgantown and Wheeling is $5,117 (4.45%). Wheeling's median is -3.96% 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,Wheeling spans $78,732. Morgantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$77,918
P25$90,952
Median$114,962
P75$146,762
P90 (Top)$174,235
Wheeling
P10 (Entry)$88,818
P25$101,287
Median$120,079
P75$142,229
P90 (Top)$167,550

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheeling ($135,954 effective) pays 2.30% more than Morgantown ($132,904 effective).

Morgantown
Nominal: $114,962
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $132,904
Wheeling
Nominal: $120,079
CoL Index: 88.323
Adjusted: $135,954

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Morgantown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($174,235)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Wheeling if…

  • Higher median salary ($120,079/year)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $135,954)
  • 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 35.1% growth in Wheeling over the same period.

Morgantown, WV

+18.1%

$93,930 (2019) → $110,914 (2025)

Wheeling, WV

+35.1%

$85,760 (2019) → $115,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays electrical engineers more: Morgantown or Wheeling?

Wheeling has a higher median electrical engineer salary at $120,079/year, compared to Morgantown at $114,962/year — a difference of $5,117 (4.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Wheeling?

Morgantown electrical engineers earn $55.27/hr while Wheeling hygienists earn $57.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Morgantown to Wheeling as a electrical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Morgantown and Wheeling. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Morgantown = $132,904, Wheeling = $135,954), job availability (8 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Morgantown vs Wheeling?

Entry-level (10th percentile) electrical engineers earn $77,918 in Morgantown and $88,818 in Wheeling. The Wheeling area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Martinez, BSEEData verified by Nia Thompson, MEng

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