Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,776▲ | $101,774 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.38▲ | $48.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,714▲ | $75,595 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,089▲ | $82,009 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,540▲ | $117,768 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,134▲ | $124,520 |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $3,002 (2.95%). 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 Louisville/Jefferson County spans $45,420,Paducah spans $48,925. Paducah 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, Paducah ($118,226 effective) pays 5.02% 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 Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,776/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,134)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,226)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$83,430 (2019) → $102,260 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$98,590 (2024) → $99,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Paducah as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
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