Louisville vs Murray: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Louisville, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Murray, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,377▲ | $92,975 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.10▲ | $44.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,190 | $77,775▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,208▲ | $82,251 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,325▲ | $107,586 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,332▲ | $116,397 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Louisville and Murray is $15,402 (16.57%). Louisville's median is +2.93% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $72,142,Murray spans $38,622. Louisville 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 ($121,363 effective) pays 16.57% more than Murray ($104,115 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,332)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,363)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Murray if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Louisville grew 18.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Murray over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$89,570 (2024) → $105,775 (2025)
Murray, KY
$76,841 (2024) → $90,743 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Murray, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Louisville or Murray?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Murray?
Should I relocate from Louisville to Murray as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Louisville vs Murray?
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