Beckley vs Charleston: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Beckley, WV and Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Beckley, WV | Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,022 | $64,740▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.34 | $31.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,136▲ | $46,146 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,382 | $51,396▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,928 | $74,243▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,667 | $88,492▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Beckley.
The salary gap between Beckley and Charleston is $3,718 (6.09%). Charleston's median is -7.84% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Beckley spans $36,531,Charleston spans $42,346. Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($72,974 effective) pays 5.68% more than Beckley ($69,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Beckley if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,740/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,492)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,974)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Beckley grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.3% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Beckley, WV
$50,430 (2019) → $59,400 (2025)
Charleston, WV
$61,590 (2020) → $63,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Beckley, WV
Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Beckley or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Beckley and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Beckley to Charleston as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Beckley vs 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