Louisville/Jefferson County vs Louisville: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,518 | $69,754▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.54 | $33.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,576 | $44,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,653 | $57,960▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,941 | $81,848▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,800 | $94,379▲ |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville/Jefferson County.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville is $6,236 (9.82%). 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 Louisville/Jefferson County spans $53,224,Louisville spans $49,464. Louisville/Jefferson County 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 14.46% 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 Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Larger job market (750 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 Louisville/Jefferson County grew 8.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$57,050 (2019) → $61,830 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$60,362 (2024) → $67,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Louisville as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Louisville/Jefferson County 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