Bowling Green vs Louisville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,828 | $107,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.74 | $51.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,144 | $70,860▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,664▲ | $83,798 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,451 | $127,447▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,448 | $146,101▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Louisville is $20,639 (23.77%). Louisville's median is +3.93% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $47,304,Louisville spans $75,241. Louisville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($120,344 effective) pays 24.99% more than Bowling Green ($96,284 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,467/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,101)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,344)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Bowling Green grew -8.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$92,460 (2019) → $84,250 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$85,675 (2024) → $104,276 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Bowling Green or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Louisville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Bowling Green vs Louisville?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov