Louisville/Jefferson County vs Nicholasville: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Nicholasville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Nicholasville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,659▲ | $40,644 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.43▲ | $19.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,133▲ | $32,522 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,403▲ | $34,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,777▲ | $42,271 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,422▲ | $49,396 |
| Total Employed | 4,140▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nicholasville.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Nicholasville is $6,015 (14.80%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -2.71% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $13,289,Nicholasville spans $16,874. Nicholasville 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/Jefferson County ($50,131 effective) pays 10.14% more than Nicholasville ($45,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,659/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,422)
- ✓Larger job market (4,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,131)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Nicholasville if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Nicholasville over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$34,830 (2019) → $44,450 (2025)
Nicholasville, KY
$32,541 (2024) → $38,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Nicholasville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Nicholasville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Nicholasville?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Nicholasville as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Nicholasville?
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