Louisville vs Richmond: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Louisville, KY and Richmond, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Richmond, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,683▲ | $123,443 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.71▲ | $59.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,316▲ | $90,999 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,340▲ | $109,220 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,249▲ | $146,771 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,047▲ | $162,514 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Louisville and Richmond is $13,240 (10.73%). 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 Louisville spans $105,731,Richmond spans $71,515. Louisville 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 ($153,060 effective) pays 10.73% more than Richmond ($138,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Louisville grew 18.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$111,962 (2024) → $132,291 (2025)
Richmond, KY
$101,116 (2024) → $119,476 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Richmond, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Louisville or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Louisville to Richmond as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Louisville vs Richmond?
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