Plumber Salary

Martinsburg vs Morgantown: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Martinsburg, WV and Morgantown, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Martinsburg, WV
$56,797
$27.31/hr
Morgantown, WV
$60,261
$28.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMartinsburg, WVMorgantown, WV
Median Salary$56,797$60,261
Hourly Rate$27.31$28.97
Entry Level (P10)$39,844$36,507
25th Percentile$44,395$45,129
75th Percentile$72,700$77,628
Top Earner (P90)$88,036$86,025
Total Employed6160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Martinsburg ($56,797) and Morgantown ($60,261) plumber salaries.MartinsburgMorgantownMedian Salary$56,797$60,261Entry Level (P10)$39,844$36,507Top Earner (P90)$88,036$86,025US Median $65,408

Verdict

Morgantown, WV offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Martinsburg.

The salary gap between Martinsburg and Morgantown is $3,464 (6.10%). Morgantown's median is -7.87% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Martinsburg spans $48,192,Morgantown spans $49,518. Morgantown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.

Martinsburg
P10 (Entry)$39,844
P25$44,395
Median$56,797
P75$72,700
P90 (Top)$88,036
Morgantown
P10 (Entry)$36,507
P25$45,129
Median$60,261
P75$77,628
P90 (Top)$86,025

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Martinsburg ($65,661 effective) pays 1.69% more than Morgantown ($64,573 effective).

Martinsburg
Nominal: $56,797
CoL Index: 86.5
Adjusted: $65,661
Morgantown
Nominal: $60,261
CoL Index: 93.323
Adjusted: $64,573

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Martinsburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($88,036)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,661)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Morgantown if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,261/year)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Martinsburg grew 35.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Morgantown over the same period.

Martinsburg, WV

+35.6%

$40,855 (2024) → $55,401 (2025)

Morgantown, WV

+33.3%

$44,100 (2019) → $58,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Martinsburg or Morgantown?

Morgantown has a higher median plumber salary at $60,261/year, compared to Martinsburg at $56,797/year — a difference of $3,464 (6.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Martinsburg and Morgantown?

Martinsburg plumbers earn $27.31/hr while Morgantown hygienists earn $28.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Martinsburg to Morgantown as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Martinsburg and Morgantown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Martinsburg = $65,661, Morgantown = $64,573), job availability (6 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Martinsburg vs Morgantown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $39,844 in Martinsburg and $36,507 in Morgantown. The Martinsburg area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP

Career Analyst

Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov