Elizabethtown vs Louisville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,518 | $136,683▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.90 | $65.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,169 | $92,316▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,267 | $115,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,023 | $168,249▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,070 | $198,047▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Louisville is $14,165 (11.56%). Louisville's median is -2.64% 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 spans $105,731. Louisville 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, Louisville ($153,060 effective) pays 11.56% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,683/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,047)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,060)
- ✓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 18.2% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$108,130 (2019) → $118,581 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$111,962 (2024) → $132,291 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Elizabethtown or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Louisville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Elizabethtown vs Louisville?
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