Elizabethtown vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,518 | $135,174▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.90 | $64.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,169 | $106,926▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,267 | $113,621▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,023 | $142,768▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,070▲ | $170,995 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 380▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County is $12,656 (10.33%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -3.72% 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,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $64,069. Elizabethtown 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 ($145,233 effective) pays 5.86% more than Elizabethtown ($137,198 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,070)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,174/year)
- ✓Larger job market (380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,233)
- ✓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 37.7% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$108,130 (2019) → $118,581 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$95,010 (2019) → $130,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Elizabethtown or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Louisville/Jefferson County as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Elizabethtown vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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