Average Registered Nurse Salary in Kentucky
Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn an average of $85,974 per year across 1 metro area. This is +8.1% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$85,974
per year
Hourly Rate
$41.33
per hour
vs National
-8.1%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$56,125
to $120,336
About Registered Nurse Careers in Kentucky
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Kentucky, registered nurses earn an average of $85,974 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $56,125 for entry-level roles to $120,336 for the most experienced professionals — +8.1% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Kentucky.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$85,974
Cost of Living Index
92
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$93,450
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Kentucky's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $85,974 has the purchasing power of $93,450 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY | $85,974 | $41.33/hr | $56,125 | $120,336 | 2,797 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Kentucky vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Kentucky
There are approximately 2,797 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Kentucky.
Key Industries: Automotive Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics
State Income Tax: 4% flat rate
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Kentucky
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$56,125
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$85,974
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$120,336
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Kentucky
Pharmacist
$121,381
avg in KY
+$35,407 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$116,873
avg in KY
+$30,899 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$80,358
avg in KY
-$5,616 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$53,266
avg in KY
-$32,708 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$35,448
avg in KY
-$50,526 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Kentucky with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Kentucky Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Kentucky?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Kentucky is $85,974 per year ($41.33/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 8.1% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
Louisville, KY is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Kentucky, with a median salary of $85,974 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
Registered Nurse salaries in Kentucky range from $56,125 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $120,336 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $85,974 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Kentucky. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.