Registered Nurse Salary in Lexington, KY: $75,535 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Lexington: What to Expect (2026)

Lexington offers a median registered nurse salary of $75,535, which is $4,874 above the Kentucky state average of $70,661. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Lexington spans from $53,382 at the 10th percentile to $112,344 at the 90th percentile — a $58,962 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,940, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,950. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,940

$-4,060 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$76,260

$-5,740 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$106,950

$-8,050 vs national

Percentile	Lexington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$53,382	$49,938	$57,400
25th Percentile	$62,124	$58,116	$66,800
Median (50th)	$75,535	$70,661	$81,220
75th Percentile	$94,023	$87,957	$101,100
90th Percentile	$112,344	$105,096	$120,800

Percentile

Lexington

10th Percentile

$53,382

25th Percentile

$62,124

Median (50th)

$75,535

75th Percentile

$94,023

90th Percentile

$112,344

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Lexington

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Lexington and the surrounding Kentucky area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lexington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Lexington

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Lexington, KY? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Lexington, Kentucky is $75,535 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $53,382 (10th percentile) to $112,344 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Lexington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $75,535, a registered nurse in Lexington earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Lexington's median registered nurse salary of $75,535 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $70,661. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼

Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $75,535 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Lexington? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Lexington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Lexington, Kentucky