Charleston vs Morgantown: Actuary Salary (2026)
Compare actuary salaries between Charleston, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Morgantown, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,196▲ | $91,590 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.28▲ | $44.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,107 | $59,225▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,271 | $70,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,571▲ | $117,235 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,003▲ | $141,965 |
| Total Employed | 10▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for actuaries, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Charleston and Morgantown is $2,606 (2.85%). Charleston's median is -29.79% compared to the US national median of $134,160.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $88,896,Morgantown spans $82,740. 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 ($108,897 effective) pays 2.85% more than Morgantown ($105,884 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 ($94,196/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,003)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,897)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, actuary salaries in Charleston grew 12.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Morgantown over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$80,912 (2024) → $91,275 (2025)
Morgantown, WV
$78,674 (2024) → $88,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Morgantown, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays actuarys more: Charleston or Morgantown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Morgantown?
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Written by Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in life insurance. She specializes in risk assessment and pricing strategies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.20% 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 Maria Chen, FSA, MAAA, a licensed actuary with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov