Independence vs Lexington: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Independence, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,377▲ | $115,956 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.80▲ | $55.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,789▲ | $53,737 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,210▲ | $106,606 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,011▲ | $142,468 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,999 | $193,436▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Independence and Lexington are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Independence and Lexington is $8,421 (7.26%). Independence's median is -11.41% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $76,210,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, Independence ($139,280 effective) pays 11.57% 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 Independence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,377/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,280)
- ✓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 Independence grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Independence, KY
$101,881 (2024) → $120,380 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$96,720 (2019) → $112,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Independence or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Independence to Lexington as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Independence 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