Ashland vs Lexington: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Ashland, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,916 | $116,259▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.96 | $55.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,272 | $67,144▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,820 | $85,844▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,012 | $170,357▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,069 | $223,639▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Lexington is $12,343 (11.88%). Lexington's median is -30.46% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $100,797,Lexington spans $156,495. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($125,159 effective) pays 7.56% more than Ashland ($116,367 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,259/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,639)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,159)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Ashland grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$97,696 (2024) → $99,251 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$94,470 (2019) → $111,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov