Lexington vs Nicholasville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Lexington, KY and Nicholasville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Nicholasville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,956 | $123,472▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.75 | $59.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,737 | $91,460▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,606 | $109,305▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,468 | $144,273▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,436▲ | $162,303 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Lexington and Nicholasville are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lexington and Nicholasville is $7,516 (6.48%). Nicholasville's median is -12.05% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $139,699,Nicholasville spans $70,843. Lexington 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, Nicholasville ($138,267 effective) pays 10.76% 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 Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,436)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Nicholasville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,472/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,267)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Lexington grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Nicholasville over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$96,720 (2019) → $112,230 (2025)
Nicholasville, KY
$101,140 (2024) → $119,504 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Nicholasville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Lexington or Nicholasville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Nicholasville?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Nicholasville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Lexington vs Nicholasville?
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