Bowling Green vs Covington: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Covington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Covington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,843 | $98,087▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.11 | $47.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,718▲ | $75,022 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,247 | $82,103▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,628 | $112,229▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,688 | $121,190▲ |
| Total Employed | 220▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Covington, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Covington is $4,244 (4.52%). Covington's median is -6.84% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $44,970,Covington spans $46,168. Covington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Covington ($109,840 effective) pays 5.55% more than Bowling Green ($104,063 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Covington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,087/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,190)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,840)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bowling Green grew 0.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Covington over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$91,040 (2019) → $91,590 (2025)
Covington, KY
$81,065 (2024) → $95,732 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Covington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bowling Green or Covington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Covington?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Covington as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bowling Green vs Covington?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov