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Registered Nurses Salary in Kentucky
Ranked #40 of 51 · KY
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of registered nursess in Kentucky earn between $64,170 and $111,750. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean registered nurses salary in Kentucky is $86,140, about 15.1% below the U.S. average ($101,420). That works out to roughly $41/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $84,850 | $90,190 | 18,180 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $79,920 | $84,050 | 1,720 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $79,120 | $83,650 | 1,870 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $79,040 | $86,050 | 8,070 |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $78,630 | $82,070 | 3,770 |
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $78,280 | $82,970 | 3,210 |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $77,930 | $83,380 | 870 |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $76,960 | $78,360 | 2,710 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Kentucky?
The median registered nurses salary in Kentucky is $81,040 per year (mean $86,140), and about 80% earn between $64,170 and $111,750.
How much do registered nurses make per hour in Kentucky?
Roughly $41 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $86,140 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is Kentucky a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Kentucky ranks #40 of 51 states for registered nurses pay. Its mean salary of $86,140 is about 15.1% below the U.S. average of $101,420.
Which metro areas in Kentucky pay registered nurses the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in Kentucky for registered nurses are Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN ($84,850), Paducah, KY-IL ($79,920), Bowling Green, KY ($79,120), by median annual wage.