Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,752 | $103,101▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.48 | $49.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,421 | $77,955▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,820 | $83,932▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,214 | $116,303▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,642 | $130,288▲ |
| Total Employed | 320 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $4,349 (4.40%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -0.29% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $51,221,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $52,333. Louisville/Jefferson County 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/Jefferson County ($110,773 effective) pays 4.20% more than Lexington ($106,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,101/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,288)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,773)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Lexington grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.4% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$77,950 (2019) → $95,820 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$74,460 (2019) → $100,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Lexington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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