Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,443▲ | $63,518 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.98▲ | $30.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,717 | $29,576▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,502 | $51,653▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,797 | $77,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,968▲ | $82,800 |
| Total Employed | 310 | 750▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville/Jefferson County.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $925 (1.46%). Lexington's median is -8.26% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $57,251,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $53,224. Lexington 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, Lexington ($69,376 effective) pays 1.66% 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 Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,443/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,968)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,376)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓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 Lexington grew 11.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$56,080 (2019) → $62,730 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$57,050 (2019) → $61,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lexington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lexington 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