Physical Therapist Salary in Nicholasville, KY: $97,902 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Nicholasville, KY earns a median $97,902/year (≈ $47.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Nicholasville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $109,633 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the physical therapist salary in Nicholasville is projected to reach $97,902, reflecting the area's competitive landscape influenced by the growing trend of cash-pay sports and orthopedic specialists. With a salary range from $74,468 to $120,595, these figures indicate a robust job market for physical therapists amid evolving healthcare models. The local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for the regional cost of living, suggest that physical therapist pay in Nicholasville KY lags behind the national median of $105,288 by approximately 7.02%. Despite this gap, the employment trend within this community indicates potential for growth, particularly as demand for specialized care continues to rise.
About the Nicholasville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,468 | $35.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,738 | $39.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,902 | $47.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,720 | $53.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,595 | $57.98 |
Median Salary Position
7.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nicholasville
In Nicholasville, KY, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,127 (2026 est.). At $97,902, the local median is 7.02% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Nicholasville: You'd be above the median
How Nicholasville Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Nicholasville median: $97,902/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nicholasville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $99,392 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -7.02% less |
Physical Therapists in Nicholasville, KY earn a median of $97,902 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.02% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $99,392.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nicholasville has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Nicholasville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $97,902 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,633 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,165
2025 BLS Actual
$95,551
2026 Current Est.
$97,902
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Nicholasville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,165 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,625 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,912 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,865 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,715 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,912 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,551 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,902 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,310 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nicholasville metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $83,165 (2019) to $95,551 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,310 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,145 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nicholasville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $74,468 – $81,738 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,738 – $97,902 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,902 – $111,720 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,720 – $120,595 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Nicholasville
Evaluating the local job market, only six physical therapists are currently employed in Nicholasville, hinting at a niche yet stable sector. The cost of living index at 89.3 means that physical therapists in this region can expect their take-home pay to stretch further than in higher-cost areas, thereby enhancing purchasing power. Among various employment options, outpatient orthopedic clinics, especially larger chains like ATI and Athletico, lead in compensation, often offering bonuses tied to productivity metrics. Key factors contributing to disparities in salary here include differences in productivity expectations, specialty board certifications such as OCS or SCS, and the distinct operational models of clinics—whether they prioritize cash-pay or insurance-reimbursed services. Those looking to maximize their income in Nicholasville should invest in continuing education for certifications and consider opportunities in settings that pair productivity incentives with competitive pay structures.
More salary data for Nicholasville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,551 for physical therapistsin the Nicholasville metropolitan area. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nicholasville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov