Huntington vs Parkersburg: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Huntington, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | Parkersburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,006▲ | $72,098 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.64▲ | $34.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,155▲ | $45,660 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,486▲ | $53,675 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,571▲ | $101,717 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,728▲ | $114,597 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Parkersburg.
The salary gap between Huntington and Parkersburg is $24,908 (34.55%). Huntington's median is -6.27% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $78,573,Parkersburg spans $68,937. 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 ($109,708 effective) pays 32.48% more than Parkersburg ($82,808 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 ($97,006/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,728)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,708)
- ✓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, civil engineer salaries in Huntington grew 14.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -18.9% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$82,600 (2019) → $94,520 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$86,650 (2019) → $70,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov