Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $135,174▲ | $129,140 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.99▲ | $62.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,926▲ | $55,617 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,621▲ | $105,459 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,768▲ | $139,461 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,995 | $184,127▲ |
| Total Employed | 380▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $6,034 (4.67%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -3.72% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $64,069,Paducah spans $128,510. Paducah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Paducah ($150,016 effective) pays 3.29% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($145,233 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 ($135,174/year)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,127)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,016)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 37.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$95,010 (2019) → $130,830 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$103,690 (2024) → $124,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants 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 physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov