Louisville/Jefferson County vs Lexington: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $513,764▲ | $285,484 |
| Hourly Rate | $247.01▲ | $137.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $125,390▲ | $68,113 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,390▲ | $74,822 |
| 75th Percentile | $513,764▲ | $409,107 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $513,764▲ | $474,284 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Lexington is $228,280 (79.96%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +25.58% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $388,374,Lexington spans $406,171. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($551,995 effective) pays 79.60% more than Lexington ($307,339 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($513,764/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($513,764)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $551,995)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Lexington as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Lexington?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov