Registered nurse salary in Kentucky
The median registered nurse in Kentucky earned $81,040 a year in 2025, $16,510 (17%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 42nd of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $81,040
- Average yearly pay
- $86,140
- Employed in Kentucky
- 50,300
How Kentucky compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Kentucky
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $81,040 | 50,300 |
| LPN or LVN | $60,460 | 8,570 |
| Nurse practitioner | $122,870 | 4,770 |
A nurse practitioner in Kentucky earns a median $41,830 more than a registered nurse ($122,870 against $81,040). A registered nurse earns a median $20,580 more than an LPN or LVN here ($81,040 against $60,460).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Kentucky?
The median is $81,040 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Kentucky earn more and half earn less.
Is Kentucky a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Kentucky ranks 42nd of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Kentucky pays 17% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Kentucky?
BLS counted 50,300 registered nurses employed in Kentucky in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Kentucky the average is $86,140, $5,100 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Kentucky?
Kentucky requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.