Bowling Green vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,423 | $69,746▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.49 | $33.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,301▲ | $49,801 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,423 | $65,264▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,678 | $79,040▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,084 | $80,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Louisville/Jefferson County is $6,323 (9.97%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -6.17% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $18,783,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $31,131. Louisville/Jefferson County has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($74,936 effective) pays 6.55% more than Bowling Green ($70,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,746/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,932)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,936)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Bowling Green grew 6.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$57,780 (2019) → $61,690 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$58,410 (2019) → $67,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Bowling Green or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Louisville/Jefferson County as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Bowling Green vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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.
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