Lexington vs Louisville: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,443 | $69,754▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.98 | $33.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,717 | $44,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,502 | $57,960▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,797 | $81,848▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,968 | $94,379▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville is $5,311 (8.24%). Louisville's median is -0.70% 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 spans $49,464. 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, Louisville ($78,112 effective) pays 12.59% more than Lexington ($69,376 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,754/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,379)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,112)
- ✓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 12.5% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$56,080 (2019) → $62,730 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$60,362 (2024) → $67,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Lexington or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Lexington vs Louisville?
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