Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,430 | $293,990▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.94 | $141.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,552 | $112,098▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,480 | $233,961▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,387 | $293,990▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,387 | $881,580▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | N/A |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $175,560 (148.24%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -33.47% 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/Jefferson County spans $769,482. Louisville/Jefferson County 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/Jefferson County ($315,867 effective) pays 147.75% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($293,990/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($881,580)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $315,867)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Lexington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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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