Huntington vs South Charleston: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Huntington, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,566▲ | $58,966 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.60▲ | $28.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,886▲ | $43,439 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,064 | $52,485▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,274▲ | $64,829 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,321▲ | $70,609 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Charleston.
The salary gap between Huntington and South Charleston is $2,600 (4.41%). Huntington's median is -12.36% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $34,435,South Charleston spans $27,170. Huntington 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, Huntington ($69,627 effective) pays 2.14% more than South Charleston ($68,169 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,566/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,321)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,627)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Huntington grew 13.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.5% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$52,740 (2019) → $59,930 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$49,717 (2024) → $57,399 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Huntington or South Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and South Charleston?
Should I relocate from Huntington to South Charleston as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Huntington vs South Charleston?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov