May 2025 BLS data
Registered Nurse salary in Kentucky
The median registered nurse in Kentucky earns $81,040/year ($38.96/hr) — 17% below the national median.
Median pay
$81,040/yr
Hourly median
$38.96/hr
State rank
#42 of 51
Employed
50,300
Registered Nurse pay percentiles in Kentucky
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30.85 | $64,170 |
| 25th percentile | $36.38 | $75,670 |
| Median (50th) | $38.96 | $81,040 |
| 75th percentile | $46.73 | $97,200 |
| 90th percentile | $53.73 | $111,750 |
The spread is large: top-decile registered nurses in Kentucky out-earn the bottom decile by $22.88/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?
Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn
$30.85–$53.73 /hour
Median $81,040/year · 50,300 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
- Illinois$95,990/yr
- Virginia$93,600/yr
- Indiana$83,500/yr
- Ohio$82,510/yr
- Missouri$81,780/yr
- Tennessee$81,500/yr
- West Virginia$80,130/yr
Top-paying states for registered nurses
- 1. California$140,270/yr
- 2. Hawaii$136,320/yr
- 3. Oregon$129,010/yr
- 4. Washington$124,200/yr
- 5. Alaska$109,480/yr
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Registered Nurse salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Kentucky?
The median registered nurse in Kentucky earns $81,040 per year, or $38.96 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $64,170 (10th percentile) and $111,750 (90th percentile).
What is a good registered nurse salary in Kentucky?
Top-quartile registered nurses in Kentucky earn $97,200 or more per year ($46.73/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for registered nurses?
Kentucky ranks #42 of 51 states, with a median 17% below the national median of $97,550.
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $64,170–$75,670 per year ($30.85–$36.38/hr) in Kentucky.