Louisville/Jefferson County vs Louisville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,101 | $107,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.57 | $51.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,955▲ | $70,860 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,932▲ | $83,798 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,303 | $127,447▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,288 | $146,101▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville/Jefferson County.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville is $4,366 (4.23%). 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 Louisville/Jefferson County spans $52,333,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 8.64% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($110,773 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…
- ✓Larger job market (710 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 Louisville/Jefferson County grew 34.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$74,460 (2019) → $100,040 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$85,675 (2024) → $104,276 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Louisville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County 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