May 2025 BLS data
Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Kentucky
The median nursing assistant (cna) in Kentucky earns $38,370/year ($18.45/hr) — 9% below the national median.
Median pay
$38,370/yr
Hourly median
$18.45/hr
State rank
#37 of 51
Employed
23,410
Nursing Assistant (CNA) pay percentiles in Kentucky
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $14.61 | $30,390 |
| 25th percentile | $17.38 | $36,150 |
| Median (50th) | $18.45 | $38,370 |
| 75th percentile | $21.21 | $44,120 |
| 90th percentile | $22.33 | $46,450 |
The spread is large: top-decile nursing assistant (cna)s in Kentucky out-earn the bottom decile by $7.72/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Nursing Assistant (CNA)s in Kentucky earn
$14.61–$22.33 /hour
Median $38,370/year · 23,410 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Illinois$45,960/yr
- Virginia$43,200/yr
- Ohio$39,010/yr
- Indiana$38,330/yr
- Tennessee$37,990/yr
- Missouri$37,680/yr
- West Virginia$36,720/yr
Top-paying states for nursing assistant (cna)s
- 1. Oregon$49,830/yr
- 2. Washington$49,180/yr
- 3. New York$48,590/yr
- 4. New Hampshire$47,870/yr
- 5. District of Columbia$47,700/yr
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Nursing Assistant (CNA) salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a nursing assistant (cna) make in Kentucky?
The median nursing assistant (cna) in Kentucky earns $38,370 per year, or $18.45 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $30,390 (10th percentile) and $46,450 (90th percentile).
What is a good nursing assistant (cna) salary in Kentucky?
Top-quartile nursing assistant (cna)s in Kentucky earn $44,120 or more per year ($21.21/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for nursing assistant (cna)s?
Kentucky ranks #37 of 51 states, with a median 9% below the national median of $42,260.
What do entry-level nursing assistant (cna)s earn in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $30,390–$36,150 per year ($14.61–$17.38/hr) in Kentucky.