Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher 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 | $62,214 | $62,638▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.91 | $30.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,693▲ | $46,148 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,975▲ | $47,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,521▲ | $63,910 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,669▲ | $71,857 |
| Total Employed | 5,510▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah are closely matched on overall elementary school teacher compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $424 (0.68%). Paducah's median is -3.03% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $45,976,Paducah spans $25,709. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Paducah ($72,764 effective) pays 8.86% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($66,844 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,669)
- ✓Larger job market (5,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,638/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,764)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 17.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$52,340 (2019) → $61,610 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$58,190 (2024) → $62,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers 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 elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov