Registered Nurse salary in Kentucky
Registered nurses in Kentucky earn a median $81,040 a year, 17% below the national median of $97,550. That ranks #42 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $63,123.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 29-1141. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $81,040 | $6,753 | $3,117 | $38.96 |
| Average pay | $86,140 | $7,178 | $3,313 | $41.41 |
| Take-home (median) | $63,123 | $5,260 | $2,428 | $30.35 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $8,999 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $6,200 |
| Kentucky income tax | $2,719 |
| Take-home | $63,123 |
Kentucky's prices are 10% below the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $70,013 buys in an average-priced state. The Kentucky minimum wage is $7.25; the median registered nurse earns 5.4 times that.
Registered Nurse pay in Kentucky vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $81,040 | $63,123 | $70,013 |
| Illinois | $95,990 | $71,752 | $71,782 |
| Indiana | $83,500 | $65,139 | $69,794 |
| Missouri | $81,780 | $63,456 | $69,872 |
| Ohio | $82,510 | $65,389 | $70,482 |
| Tennessee | $81,500 | $66,165 | $72,021 |
| Virginia | $93,600 | $70,110 | $69,344 |
| West Virginia | $80,130 | $62,421 | $69,746 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do registered nurses make in Kentucky?
- The median salary is $81,040 a year ($38.96 an hour), and the average is $86,140, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do registered nurses take home in Kentucky?
- About $63,123 a year after federal and Kentucky taxes, or $2,428 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do registered nurses earn more in Kentucky than the national average?
- Kentucky ranks #42 of 51 for median pay, 17% below the U.S. median of $97,550. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #37.