Covington vs Lexington: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Covington, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Covington, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,087▲ | $97,040 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.16▲ | $46.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,022▲ | $67,316 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,103▲ | $81,271 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,229▲ | $110,677 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,190 | $126,251▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Covington and Lexington are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Covington and Lexington is $1,047 (1.08%). 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 Covington spans $46,168,Lexington spans $58,935. Lexington 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 5.14% more than Lexington ($104,469 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Covington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,087/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,840)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,251)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Covington grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Covington, KY
$81,065 (2024) → $95,732 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$86,910 (2019) → $94,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Covington, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Covington or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Covington and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Covington to Lexington as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Covington vs Lexington?
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