Registered Nurses Salary in Kentucky
Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn a median of $81,040 a year, −17% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $81,040
- vs. U.S. median
- −17% ($97,550)
- Rank among states
- 42 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 50,300
Pay range in Kentucky
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $64,170; the top 10% earn over $111,750. Nationally the range is $68,940 to $137,470.
States ranked near Kentucky
Similar jobs in Kentucky
- Critical Care Nurses$81,040 median in Kentucky (broader BLS group)
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$60,460 median in Kentucky
- Acute Care Nurses$81,040 median in Kentucky (broader BLS group)
- Nurse Practitioners$122,870 median in Kentucky
- Emergency Medicine Physicians$169,390 median in Kentucky
- Physician Assistants$120,760 median in Kentucky
Registered Nurses pay in Kentucky
How much do registered nurses make in Kentucky?
The median is $81,040 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $64,170 and the top 10% earn over $111,750. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Kentucky a good state for registered nurses?
On pay alone it ranks 42 of 51 (−17% vs. the national median of $97,550). Living costs are not included.