Charleston vs Parkersburg: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $52,445▲ | $44,969 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.21▲ | $21.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,380 | $30,727▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,174▲ | $35,729 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,802▲ | $57,560 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,184▲ | $69,701 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Parkersburg.
The salary gap between Charleston and Parkersburg is $7,476 (16.62%). Charleston's median is -2.19% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $80,804,Parkersburg spans $38,974. 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 ($59,115 effective) pays 13.71% more than Parkersburg ($51,987 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 ($52,445/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,184)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,115)
- ✓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, real estate agent salaries in Charleston grew 26.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Parkersburg over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$40,990 (2019) → $51,670 (2025)
Parkersburg, WV
$37,738 (2024) → $44,304 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
Parkersburg, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Charleston or Parkersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Parkersburg?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Parkersburg as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Charleston vs Parkersburg?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov