Covington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Covington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Covington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,087 | $104,776▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.16 | $50.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,022 | $79,714▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,103 | $84,089▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,229 | $119,540▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,190 | $125,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,140▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Covington.
The salary gap between Covington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $6,689 (6.82%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -0.49% 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,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $45,420. Covington 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/Jefferson County ($112,573 effective) pays 2.49% more than Covington ($109,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Covington if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,776/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,134)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,573)
- ✓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 22.6% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Covington, KY
$81,065 (2024) → $95,732 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$83,430 (2019) → $102,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Covington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Covington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Covington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Covington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Covington vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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