Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,737▲ | $119,349 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.18▲ | $57.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,223▲ | $69,222 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,398▲ | $97,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,407▲ | $144,256 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,171▲ | $174,044 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $20,388 (17.08%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -0.62% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $103,948,Paducah spans $104,822. Paducah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($150,135 effective) pays 12.34% more than Paducah ($133,649 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 ($139,737/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($203,171)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,135)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 52.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$88,760 (2019) → $135,720 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$103,551 (2024) → $115,918 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Paducah as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov