Average RN Salary in Kentucky: See How Much KY Nurses Make

Kentuckians often describe their state as a mix of "southern charm and northern industry." More than 40,000 registered nurses (RNs) work in Kentucky, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you are considering working as a nurse in Kentucky, or you already work in the state, this guide to registered nurse (RN) salaries in Kentucky can help you negotiate the income you deserve.

Keep reading for more on cities where RN salaries in Kentucky are highest, cost-of-living considerations, and what other nursing jobs pay.

Source: BLS, Projections Central

Average RN Salaries in Kentucky

Half of all RN salaries in Kentucky are between $59,640 and $77,030. The average annual RN salary in Kentucky is $67,260, compared to $48,170 for all jobs, according to the BLS. While this brings RN salaries in Kentucky well above the state average, these figures are still lower than the national median RN salary of $77,600.

The average hourly RN salary in Kentucky is $30.04, with 80% of Kentucky RNs earning between $23.08 and $39.62 an hour.

Although RN salaries in Kentucky are lower than national rates, the cost of living is also lower, which means salaries stretch further than in other states.

Source: BLS

Kentucky RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living

The cost-of-living index for Kentucky is 89.8, compared to the national index of 100. RN salary in Kentucky has 10.2% more spending power than the U.S. average. The cost of living is based on comparing prices for goods and services in a particular region to national averages. These calculations include food, housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and typical discretionary spending, such as entertainment.

Adjusted for the cost of living, the average RN salary in Kentucky is worth $74,120. However, this data still ranks Kentucky 40th among all states.

Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Kentucky

RN salaries in Kentucky are substantially higher in the major metropolitan areas. In Louisville, the average RN salary is more than 10% higher than the state median salary. Louisville is one of the oldest cities in the Midwest and home to several hospitals, including the University of Louisville Hospitals. While the Elizabethtown-Fort Knox area's biggest economic driver is the local military, it is also home to Baptist Health Hardin, one of the largest hospital systems in the state.

If you love horses and racing, Lexington is nicknamed "the horse capital of the world." Owensboro hosts a metro population of approximately 115,000, and the largest employer is Owensboro Health. Its barbecue and bluegrass festivals are famous. According to County Office, Bowling Green is ranked 66th of 1,258 cities in hospitals per square mile and 78th in hospitals per capita.

Source: BLS

Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Kentucky

While RN salaries in Kentucky are higher than the average salary, they are still lower than RN salaries in most other states, even adjusted for the lower cost of living. If you are interested in increasing your earning potential, consider earning a graduate degree and becoming an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). The average salary for nurse anesthetists is almost twice the median RN salary in Kentucky.

Becoming a nurse anesthetist requires a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists earn 40% more than the median RN salary in Kentucky. These roles require a master of science in nursing (MSN).

Source: BLS