Charleston vs Weirton: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Charleston, WV and Weirton, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Weirton, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,824▲ | $123,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.89▲ | $59.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,087 | $100,727▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,869▲ | $105,521 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,732▲ | $140,205 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,910 | $172,534▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Weirton.
The salary gap between Charleston and Weirton is $7,801 (6.34%). Charleston's median is -6.81% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $78,823,Weirton spans $71,807. Charleston 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, Charleston ($147,462 effective) pays 6.71% more than Weirton ($138,191 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,824/year)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,462)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Weirton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,534)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Charleston grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Weirton over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$101,130 (2019) → $126,620 (2025)
Weirton, WV
$95,970 (2021) → $119,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Weirton, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Charleston or Weirton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Weirton?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Weirton as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Charleston vs Weirton?
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