Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Kentucky | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $81,040 | $98,331 | -18% |
| Median hourly wage | $38.96 | $47.27 | -18% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $89,845.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $78,324 | $59,150 | $95,550 | 89 |
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Kentucky is $81,040, or about $38.96 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Registered Nurses is $98,331. Kentucky is -18% below the national median.
Entry-level registered nurses in Kentucky typically earn from $59,150 depending on the city and employer.
With 50,300 registered nurse jobs on record and a median salary of $81,040, Kentucky offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.