Charleston vs Huntington: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Charleston, WV and Huntington, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Huntington, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,088▲ | $39,364 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.27▲ | $18.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,457 | $33,108▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,325▲ | $37,023 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,282 | $42,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,404▲ | $47,153 |
| Total Employed | 900 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Huntington is $724 (1.84%). Charleston's median is -16.42% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $14,947,Huntington spans $14,045. 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 ($45,186 effective) pays 1.50% more than Huntington ($44,518 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 ($40,088/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($47,404)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,186)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Charleston grew 29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.9% growth in Huntington over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$29,590 (2019) → $38,190 (2025)
Huntington, WV
$28,650 (2019) → $37,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Huntington, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Charleston or Huntington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Huntington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Huntington as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Charleston vs Huntington?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov