Morgantown vs Wheeling: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Morgantown, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,437 | $130,865▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.02 | $62.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,808▲ | $67,448 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,964 | $88,492▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,755▲ | $169,897 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,273 | $235,711▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Morgantown and Wheeling is $16,428 (14.36%). Wheeling's median is -21.72% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $148,465,Wheeling spans $168,263. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wheeling ($148,166 effective) pays 20.83% more than Morgantown ($122,625 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,865/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($235,711)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,166)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Morgantown grew -2.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$111,920 (2019) → $109,300 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$109,310 (2019) → $124,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov