Elizabethtown vs Lexington: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,518▲ | $115,956 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.90▲ | $55.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,169▲ | $53,737 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,267▲ | $106,606 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,023 | $142,468▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,070 | $193,436▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Elizabethtown and Lexington are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Lexington is $6,562 (5.66%). Elizabethtown's median is -12.73% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $81,901,Lexington spans $139,699. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elizabethtown ($137,198 effective) pays 9.91% more than Lexington ($124,833 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,518/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,198)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,436)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Elizabethtown grew 9.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$108,130 (2019) → $118,581 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$96,720 (2019) → $112,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Elizabethtown or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Lexington as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Elizabethtown vs Lexington?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov