Beckley vs Charleston: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Beckley, WV and Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beckley, WV | Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,124▲ | $130,824 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.44▲ | $62.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,238▲ | $91,087 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,238 | $113,869▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,711 | $154,732▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,743 | $169,910▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Beckley and Charleston are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Beckley and Charleston is $5,300 (4.05%). Beckley's median is -3.04% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beckley spans $51,505,Charleston spans $78,823. Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Beckley ($154,040 effective) pays 4.46% more than Charleston ($147,462 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beckley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,124/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,040)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,910)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Beckley grew 41.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Beckley, WV
$93,020 (2019) → $131,750 (2025)
Charleston, WV
$101,130 (2019) → $126,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beckley, WV
Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Beckley or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beckley and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Beckley to Charleston as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Beckley vs Charleston?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov