Registered Nurses Salary in Kentucky
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - KY
Median Annual Salary in Kentucky
$79,219
$38.09 / hour
▼ 11.0% below national avg
National Median
$89,010
$42.79 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$87,535
Missouri equivalent (COL: 90.5)
Registered Nurses Salary in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $41,986 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,038 |
| 50th (Median) | $79,219 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,322 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $136,257 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Kentucky median salary of $79,219 for Registered Nurses has the purchasing power of approximately $87,535 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Kentucky's lower cost of living (COL index: 90.5) means your salary goes further than in higher-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Kentucky?
Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn a median annual salary of $79,219 per year ($38.09/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $89,010.
Is Kentucky a good state for Registered Nurses?
Kentucky pays slightly below the national average for registered nurses. Cost of living in Kentucky is lower average (COL index: 90.5).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 90.5 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $79,219 salary in Kentucky has the purchasing power of approximately $87,535 in Missouri. Lower living costs in Kentucky increase real purchasing power.
How does Kentucky compare to neighboring states for Registered Nurses salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Registered Nurses salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Kentucky
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $295,658 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $275,829 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $272,536 |
| 4 | Surgeons, All Other | $262,123 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $241,973 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $222,320 |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | $217,089 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $216,573 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Registered Nurses in Kentucky
Registered Nurses work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the healthcare sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Bachelor's degree