Registered Nurse Salary in Owensboro, KY: $66,600 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median registered nurse salary of $66,600, which is $4,061 below the Kentucky state average of $70,661. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $66,600 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Owensboro spans from $47,068 at the 10th percentile to $99,056 at the 90th percentile — a $51,988 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,560, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,300. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $47,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$47,560

$-10,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$67,240

$-14,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$94,300

$-20,700 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$47,068	$49,938	$57,400
25th Percentile	$54,776	$58,116	$66,800
Median (50th)	$66,600	$70,661	$81,220
75th Percentile	$82,902	$87,957	$101,100
90th Percentile	$99,056	$105,096	$120,800

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$47,068

25th Percentile

$54,776

Median (50th)

$66,600

75th Percentile

$82,902

90th Percentile

$99,056

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Owensboro

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Owensboro

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

The median registered nurse salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $66,600 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $47,068 (10th percentile) to $99,056 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $66,600, a registered nurse in Owensboro earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Owensboro's median registered nurse salary of $66,600 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $70,661. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

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

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $66,600 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most registered nurse positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky