Lexington vs Paducah: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,752▲ | $97,134 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.48▲ | $46.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,421 | $76,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,820 | $82,767▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,214▲ | $104,286 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,642▲ | $119,240 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $1,618 (1.67%). Lexington's median is -4.50% 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,Paducah spans $43,048. Lexington 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, Paducah ($112,836 effective) pays 6.14% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,752/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,642)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,836)
- ✓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 1.1% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$77,950 (2019) → $95,820 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$93,180 (2024) → $94,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
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