Lexington vs Paducah: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,711▲ | $74,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.88▲ | $36.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,650▲ | $35,298 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,373 | $52,786▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,822 | $131,222▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $249,748▲ | $214,069 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $1,839 (2.46%). Lexington's median is -29.32% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $203,098,Paducah spans $178,771. 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, Paducah ($86,976 effective) pays 5.32% more than Lexington ($82,584 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,711/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($249,748)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,976)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Lexington grew 15.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$64,550 (2019) → $74,260 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$67,800 (2024) → $72,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Lexington or Paducah?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov