Registered Nurse Salary in Kentucky
Based on 50K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$81,040
$38.96/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-13.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $112K
50K employed in Kentucky
Registered Nurse salary in Kentucky averages $81,040 annually, according to current employment data. The state employs approximately 50,300 registered nurses across various healthcare settings. While this represents a solid middle-class income, Kentucky's nursing salaries fall about 14% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in healthcare markets and cost of living.
Several factors influence registered nurse compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and work environment. Nurses in urban medical centers or specialized units typically earn more than those in rural clinics or long-term care facilities. Educational credentials, shift differentials, and employer size also play significant roles in determining where individual salaries fall within the $64,170 to $111,750 range.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,170 |
| 25th percentile | $75,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,040 |
| 75th percentile | $97,200 |
| 90th percentile | $111,750 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in Kentucky
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Kentucky — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Insight Global, LLC | 10 | $85,820 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Kentucky
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Kentucky.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $85,820 | 10 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,800 |
| 2023 | $77,830 |
| 2024 | $79,910 |
| 2025 | $81,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,186 |
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 | $75,800 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $77,830 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $79,910 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $81,040 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,186 | $95,429 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $111,750 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Registered Nurse ($81,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +588.8% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +329.4% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +291.3% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +245.5% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +206.9% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +198.0% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +193.4% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +174.6% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +148.3% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +116.8% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +109.0% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +100.1% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for registered nurses in Kentucky is $81,040 per year, or $39 per hour. This is approximately 13.9% below the national average for registered nurses.
What is the salary range for registered nurses in Kentucky?
- Registered nurse salaries in Kentucky range from $64,170 at the lower end to $111,750 at the higher end, depending on experience, employer, and specialty.
How many registered nurses work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 50,300 registered nurses currently employed in Kentucky, representing a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is the registered nurse salary in Kentucky lower than the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median registered nurse salary of $81,040 is 13.9% lower than the national average, making it an important consideration for nurses relocating or starting their career in the state.