Charleston vs Parkersburg: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Charleston, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | Parkersburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,400▲ | $43,149 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.67▲ | $20.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,454▲ | $26,601 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,232▲ | $32,293 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,677▲ | $55,231 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,657▲ | $66,881 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Parkersburg.
The salary gap between Charleston and Parkersburg is $10,251 (23.76%). Charleston's median is -33.58% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $41,203,Parkersburg spans $40,280. 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 ($60,191 effective) pays 20.66% more than Parkersburg ($49,883 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 ($53,400/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,657)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,191)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Parkersburg if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Charleston grew -18.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -38.4% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$62,330 (2021) → $51,110 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$67,089 (2024) → $41,299 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Charleston or Parkersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Parkersburg?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Parkersburg as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov