Huntington vs Wheeling: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Huntington, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,364▲ | $38,765 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.93▲ | $18.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,108▲ | $32,635 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,023 | $37,327▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,450 | $44,581▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,153 | $48,066▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 310 |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Huntington and Wheeling is $599 (1.55%). Huntington's median is -17.92% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $14,045,Wheeling spans $15,431. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Huntington ($44,518 effective) pays 1.43% more than Wheeling ($43,890 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 ($39,364/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,518)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,066)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Huntington grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.1% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$28,650 (2019) → $37,500 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$29,280 (2019) → $36,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Huntington or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Huntington to Wheeling as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Huntington vs Wheeling?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov