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Registered Nurses Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Registered Nurses make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$81,040
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.4% vs 2024
$86,140
Mean Salary
$81,040
Median Salary
$38.96
Hourly Rate
50,300 people work as Registered Nurses in Kentucky

Registered Nurses salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Registered Nurses salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Registered Nurses in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $64,170$64,17025th25% earn less than $75,670$75,670MedianHalf earn more than $81,040$81,04075th75% earn less than $97,200$97,20090thTop 10% earn more than $111,750$111,750

Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn a median salary of $81,040 per year ($6,753/month). This is 13.9% below the national average of $94,098. Kentucky ranks #42 out of 51 states for Registered Nurses pay. Approximately 50,300 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 1.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Registered Nurses

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.38
Social Perceptiveness
4.25
Reading Comprehension
4.12
Speaking
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Psychology
4.96
Medicine and Dentistry
4.74
Therapy and Counseling
4.74
English Language
4.61
Education and Training
4.55
Typical Education: Master's Degree (96.5% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Registered Nurses in Kentucky

Salaries for Registered Nurses in Kentucky range from $64,170 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $111,750 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $75,670 and $97,200.

Median $81,040
P10: $64,170 P25: $75,670 P75: $97,200 P90: $111,750
10th
$64,170
25th
$75,670
Median
$81,040
75th
$97,200
90th
$111,750
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $64,170 $30.85 $5,347
25th Percentile $75,670 $36.38 $6,305
Median (50th) $81,040 $38.96 $6,753
75th Percentile $97,200 $46.73 $8,100
90th Percentile (Experienced) $111,750 $53.73 $9,312

Note: The mean (average) salary of $86,140 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#42
Kentucky ranks #42 of 51 states
$94,098
National avg. for Registered Nurses
-13.9%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Registered Nurses salary in Kentucky adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Registered Nurses take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Registered Nurses Data in Kentucky

Registered Nurses Salary by State

Compare Registered Nurses pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Registered Nurses make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Kentucky is $81,040 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $86,140.
What is the salary range for a Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
Salaries for Registered Nurses in Kentucky range from $64,170 at the 10th percentile to $111,750 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $75,670 and $97,200.
What is the starting salary for a Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
Entry-level Registered Nurses positions in Kentucky typically start around $64,170 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $75,670 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 50,300 people are employed as Registered Nurses in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Registered Nurses in Kentucky is approximately $38.96 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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