Martinsburg vs Morgantown: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Martinsburg, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Martinsburg, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,811▲ | $38,212 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.54▲ | $18.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,733 | $37,616▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,417▲ | $37,808 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,034▲ | $39,032 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,675▲ | $47,371 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,310▲ |
Verdict
Martinsburg, WV offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Martinsburg and Morgantown is $6,599 (17.27%). Martinsburg's median is -0.44% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Martinsburg spans $13,942,Morgantown spans $9,755. Martinsburg 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, Martinsburg ($51,805 effective) pays 26.52% more than Morgantown ($40,946 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Martinsburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,811/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,675)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,805)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Martinsburg grew 71.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Martinsburg, WV
$24,513 (2024) → $42,076 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$26,230 (2019) → $35,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Martinsburg, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Martinsburg or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Martinsburg and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Martinsburg to Morgantown as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Martinsburg vs Morgantown?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov