Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,429 | $76,562▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.50 | $36.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,421 | $49,466▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,225 | $52,962▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,400 | $90,648▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,614▲ | $97,312 |
| Total Employed | 810 | 2,780▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $13,133 (20.71%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +17.05% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $52,193,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $47,846. Lexington 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/Jefferson County ($82,259 effective) pays 20.47% more than Lexington ($68,285 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,614)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,562/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,259)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Lexington grew -2.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$63,720 (2019) → $61,870 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$57,420 (2019) → $74,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Lexington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov