Healthcare Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in Kentucky

The median registered nurse salary in Kentucky is $70,661 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$70,661
vs National
$-10,559
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Registered Nurse Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $50,460, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,050 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,460
$-7,540 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,340
$-10,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,050
$-14,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $49,938
25th Percentile $58,116
Median (50th) $70,661
75th Percentile $87,957
90th Percentile $105,096

Major Cities for Registered Nurses in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Louisville, KY
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Lexington, KY
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Bowling Green, KY
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Owensboro, KY
Metro area for registered nurse employment
Covington, KY
Metro area for registered nurse employment

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Kentucky

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.