OT Assistant Salary

Jeffersontown vs Lexington: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Jeffersontown, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jeffersontown, KY
$63,014
$30.30/hr
Lexington, KY
$67,042
$32.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJeffersontown, KYLexington, KY
Median Salary$63,014$67,042
Hourly Rate$30.30$32.23
Entry Level (P10)$46,818$52,269
25th Percentile$54,588$61,563
75th Percentile$69,038$68,225
Top Earner (P90)$77,002$82,258
Total Employed540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jeffersontown ($63,014) and Lexington ($67,042) occupational therapy assistant salaries.JeffersontownLexingtonMedian Salary$63,014$67,042Entry Level (P10)$46,818$52,269Top Earner (P90)$77,002$82,258US Median $74,332

Verdict

Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jeffersontown.

The salary gap between Jeffersontown and Lexington is $4,028 (6.39%). Lexington's median is -9.81% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jeffersontown spans $30,184,Lexington spans $29,989. Jeffersontown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jeffersontown
P10 (Entry)$46,818
P25$54,588
Median$63,014
P75$69,038
P90 (Top)$77,002
Lexington
P10 (Entry)$52,269
P25$61,563
Median$67,042
P75$68,225
P90 (Top)$82,258

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($72,174 effective) pays 2.28% more than Jeffersontown ($70,564 effective).

Jeffersontown
Nominal: $63,014
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $70,564
Lexington
Nominal: $67,042
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $72,174

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jeffersontown if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Lexington if…

  • Higher median salary ($67,042/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,258)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,174)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Jeffersontown grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Lexington over the same period.

Jeffersontown, KY

+9.5%

$55,951 (2024) → $61,292 (2025)

Lexington, KY

+10.3%

$59,140 (2019) → $65,210 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Jeffersontown or Lexington?

Lexington has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $67,042/year, compared to Jeffersontown at $63,014/year — a difference of $4,028 (6.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jeffersontown and Lexington?

Jeffersontown occupational therapy assistants earn $30.30/hr while Lexington hygienists earn $32.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jeffersontown to Lexington as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jeffersontown and Lexington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jeffersontown = $70,564, Lexington = $72,174), job availability (5 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Jeffersontown vs Lexington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $46,818 in Jeffersontown and $52,269 in Lexington. The Lexington area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov