Louisville vs Paducah: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Louisville, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $430,229▲ | $375,079 |
| Hourly Rate | $206.84▲ | $180.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $249,533▲ | $217,545 |
| 25th Percentile | $309,765▲ | $270,057 |
| 75th Percentile | $527,616▲ | $450,871 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $628,809▲ | $522,211 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville and Paducah is $55,150 (14.70%). 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 Louisville spans $379,276,Paducah spans $304,666. Louisville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($481,779 effective) pays 14.70% more than Paducah ($420,021 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Louisville grew 22.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.0% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$335,886 (2024) → $409,742 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$292,830 (2024) → $357,218 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Louisville or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Paducah?
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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