Lexington vs Paducah: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,430 | $375,079▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.94 | $180.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,552 | $217,545▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,480 | $270,057▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,387 | $450,871▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,387 | $522,211▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Paducah, KY offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $256,649 (216.71%). Paducah's median is -15.12% 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,Paducah spans $304,666. Paducah 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, Paducah ($420,021 effective) pays 229.44% 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 Paducah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($375,079/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($522,211)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $420,021)
- ✓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 Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$323,450 (2024) → $112,790 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$292,830 (2024) → $357,218 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a radiologist?
What do entry-level radiologists earn in Lexington vs Paducah?
Related Comparisons
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