Lexington vs Louisville: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist 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 | $118,430 | $430,229▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.94 | $206.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,552 | $249,533▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,480 | $309,765▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,387 | $527,616▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,387 | $628,809▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville is $311,799 (263.28%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $82,835,Louisville spans $379,276. Louisville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($481,779 effective) pays 277.88% more than Lexington ($127,496 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($430,229/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($628,809)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $481,779)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Lexington grew -65.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$323,450 (2024) → $112,790 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$335,886 (2024) → $409,742 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Lexington or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Lexington vs Louisville?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov