Morgantown vs Parkersburg: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Morgantown, WV and Parkersburg, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Morgantown, WV | Parkersburg, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,711 | $43,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.53 | $20.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,622 | $27,666▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,612 | $33,682▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,671 | $55,362▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,202 | $67,040▲ |
| Total Employed | 8▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Parkersburg, WV offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Morgantown.
The salary gap between Morgantown and Parkersburg is $541 (1.27%). Parkersburg's median is -42.17% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Morgantown spans $39,580,Parkersburg spans $39,374. Morgantown 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, Parkersburg ($50,002 effective) pays 1.27% more than Morgantown ($49,377 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Morgantown if…
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Parkersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,040)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,002)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Morgantown grew 18.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Morgantown, WV
$34,782 (2024) → $41,359 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$35,222 (2024) → $41,882 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Morgantown, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Morgantown or Parkersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Morgantown and Parkersburg?
Should I relocate from Morgantown to Parkersburg as a court reporter?
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Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov