Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,562 | $84,189▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.81 | $40.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,466▲ | $47,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,962 | $58,303▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,648 | $93,785▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,312 | $97,784▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,780▲ | 380 |
Verdict
Paducah, KY offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville/Jefferson County.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $7,627 (9.96%). Paducah's median is +28.71% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $47,846,Paducah spans $50,276. Paducah has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Paducah ($97,799 effective) pays 18.89% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($82,259 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…
- ✓Larger job market (2,780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,189/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,784)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,799)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$57,420 (2019) → $74,680 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$76,650 (2024) → $82,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Paducah as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
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