Lexington vs Louisville: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,376 | $44,993▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.37 | $21.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,325▲ | $32,858 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,287▲ | $35,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,989 | $49,372▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,987 | $60,362▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,210▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville is $2,617 (6.18%). Louisville's median is -6.19% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $11,662,Louisville spans $27,504. Louisville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($50,384 effective) pays 10.44% more than Lexington ($45,620 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,993/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,362)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,384)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Lexington grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$34,370 (2019) → $40,370 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$36,023 (2024) → $42,863 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Lexington or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Lexington vs Louisville?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov