Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kentucky
Based on 9K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$60,460
$29.07/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-9.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $73K
9K employed in Kentucky
Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Kentucky averages $60,460 annually, according to recent labor data. With approximately 8,570 workers employed in this role throughout the state, practical nurses represent a significant portion of Kentucky's healthcare workforce. This median figure falls about 9 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences in healthcare compensation.
Several factors influence Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and specific work settings. Nurses employed in hospitals typically earn more than those in clinics or long-term care facilities. Geographic location within Kentucky, employer size, and additional training in specialized areas can also impact earning potential. The competitive job market and ongoing demand for nursing professionals continue to shape compensation trends across the state.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,420 |
| 25th percentile | $54,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,460 |
| 75th percentile | $65,090 |
| 90th percentile | $73,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,210 |
| 2023 | $56,040 |
| 2024 | $58,450 |
| 2025 | $60,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,539 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,210 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $56,040 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $58,450 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $60,460 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,539 | $69,035 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,220 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($60,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +823.2% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +475.5% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +424.5% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +363.1% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +311.4% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +299.5% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +293.3% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +268.0% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +232.9% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +190.6% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +180.2% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +168.2% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Kentucky?
- Licensed practical nurses in Kentucky earn a median salary of $60,460 per year, or $29 per hour. This is approximately 9.4% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for LPNs in Kentucky?
- The salary range for licensed practical nurses in Kentucky spans from $48,420 at the lower end to $73,220 at the higher end, reflecting variation based on experience and employer.
How many licensed practical nurses work in Kentucky?
- There are currently 8,570 licensed practical nurses employed in Kentucky, representing a substantial workforce in the state's healthcare sector.
Is the Kentucky LPN salary below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median LPN salary of $60,460 per year is 9.4% lower than the national average for licensed practical nurses, making it a below-average paying state for this profession.