Louisville/Jefferson County vs Murray: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Murray, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,101▲ | $92,194 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.57▲ | $44.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,955▲ | $73,578 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,932▲ | $80,032 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,303▲ | $105,235 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,288▲ | $115,424 |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Murray is $10,907 (11.83%). 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 Louisville/Jefferson County spans $52,333,Murray spans $41,846. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($110,773 effective) pays 7.30% more than Murray ($103,241 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 ($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
Choose Murray if…
- ✓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 Murray over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$74,460 (2019) → $100,040 (2025)
Murray, KY
$73,500 (2024) → $89,457 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Murray, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Murray?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Murray?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Murray as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Murray?
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