Nurse Practitioner Salary in Kentucky
Based on 5K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$122,870
$59.07/hr
vs National Average
$133,771
-8.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$96K – $163K
5K employed in Kentucky
Nurse Practitioner salary in Kentucky averages $122,870 annually, according to current labor data. With approximately 4,770 nurse practitioners employed across the state, this represents a growing healthcare workforce. However, Kentucky salaries run about 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost of living variations compared to other states.
Several factors influence Nurse Practitioner salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and work setting. Urban areas typically offer higher compensation than rural regions, while employment in hospitals generally pays more than private practices or clinics. Additionally, education level, patient population served, and individual employer policies can meaningfully impact earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $95,710 |
| 25th percentile | $106,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $122,870 |
| 75th percentile | $132,720 |
| 90th percentile | $162,960 |
Top-Paying Industries for Nurse Practitioner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Nurse Practitioners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Nurse Practitioners in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,910 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $134,880 | 2K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $133,550 | 6K |
| Finance and Insurance | $133,340 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $132,800 | 8K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,630 |
| 2023 | $109,530 |
| 2024 | $113,870 |
| 2025 | $122,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,242 |
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 | $104,630 | $118,452 |
| 2023 | $109,530 | $125,602 |
| 2024 | $113,870 | $129,125 |
| 2025 | $122,870 | $133,771 |
| 2026 (projected) | $130,242 | $141,797 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,240 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $122,870 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,960 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Other States
Related Nurse Practitioner Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Nurse Practitioner ($122,870 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Nurse Practitioner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +354.3% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +183.2% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +158.1% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +127.9% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +102.4% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +96.6% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +93.5% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +81.1% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +63.8% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +43.0% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +37.9% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +32.0% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurse practitioners make in Kentucky?
- Nurse practitioners in Kentucky earn a median salary of $122,870 per year, or approximately $59 per hour. This is 8.1% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for nurse practitioners in Kentucky?
- Nurse practitioner salaries in Kentucky range from $95,710 at the lower end to $162,960 at the upper end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many nurse practitioners are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 4,770 nurse practitioners employed throughout Kentucky, representing a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the nurse practitioner salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's median nurse practitioner salary of $122,870 is slightly below the national average, falling 8.1% lower than what nurse practitioners earn nationally on average.