Fairmont vs Morgantown: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Fairmont, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairmont, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,740 | $132,425▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.53 | $63.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,293 | $104,167▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,167▲ | $112,185 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,432▲ | $140,391 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,010 | $164,320▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairmont.
The salary gap between Fairmont and Morgantown is $10,685 (8.78%). Morgantown's median is -5.67% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairmont spans $62,717,Morgantown spans $60,153. Fairmont 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, Morgantown ($141,900 effective) pays 0.82% more than Fairmont ($140,740 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairmont if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,425/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,320)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,900)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fairmont grew 35.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Fairmont, WV
$86,933 (2024) → $117,828 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$98,280 (2019) → $128,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairmont, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Fairmont or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairmont and Morgantown?
Should I relocate from Fairmont to Morgantown as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Fairmont vs Morgantown?
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