Florence vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Florence, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Florence, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,399 | $63,518▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.48 | $30.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,520▲ | $29,576 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,742▲ | $51,653 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,992 | $77,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,645 | $82,800▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.
The salary gap between Florence and Louisville/Jefferson County is $119 (0.19%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -9.58% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Florence spans $33,125,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $53,224. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Florence ($70,996 effective) pays 4.03% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($68,245 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,996)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,518/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,800)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Florence grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Florence, KY
$54,863 (2024) → $61,714 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$57,050 (2019) → $61,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Florence, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Florence or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Florence and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Florence to Louisville/Jefferson County as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Florence vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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