Elizabethtown vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,845▲ | $104,776 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.37▲ | $50.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,042 | $79,714▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,200 | $84,089▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,936 | $119,540▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,305▲ | $125,134 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 1,140▲ |
Verdict
Elizabethtown, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville/Jefferson County.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County is $2,069 (1.97%). Elizabethtown's median is +1.48% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $69,263,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $45,420. Elizabethtown 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, Elizabethtown ($117,967 effective) pays 4.79% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($112,573 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,845/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,305)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,967)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Elizabethtown grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$86,270 (2019) → $104,280 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$83,430 (2019) → $102,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Elizabethtown or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Louisville/Jefferson County as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Elizabethtown 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