Registered Nurse Salary Guide: Kentucky
Average Registered Nurse Salary
$44.12/hour
The average salary for a Registered Nurse in Kentucky is $44.12 per hour. This is 15% lower than the US average of $50.77.
Last updated on October 6, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Registered Nurse salaries in Kentucky compared to National Averages
$44.12/hour
Kentucky
15% lower than the US average.
$50.77/hour
United States
What cities in Kentucky pay the most for Registered Nurses?
Bowling Green, Kentucky pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $46 per hour, followed by Frankfort, Kentucky ($42) and Florence, Kentucky ($34). For comparison, the Kentucky average for Registered Nurses is $44 per hour — Bowling Green, Kentucky pays 4% more.
| City | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, Kentucky | $46 | $46 |
| Frankfort, Kentucky | $42 | $42 |
| Florence, Kentucky | $34 | $46 |
| Covington, Kentucky | $34 | $46 |
| Edgewood, Kentucky | $34 | $46 |
| Owensboro, Kentucky | $32 | $42 |
What type of Registered Nurses make the most money in Kentucky?
Skilled Nursing earns the most among Nursing specialties in Kentucky, averaging $45 per hour, followed by Rehabilitation ($44) and Long Term Care ($44). Skilled Nursing also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $46. For comparison, the Kentucky average for Registered Nurses is $44 per hour — Skilled Nursing earns 1% more.
| Specialty | Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing | $45 | $46 |
| Rehabilitation | $44 | $46 |
| Long Term Care | $44 | $46 |
| PCU - Progressive Care Unit | $44 | $46 |
| Med Surg / Telemetry | $44 | $46 |
| DOU - Direct Observation Unit | $44 | $46 |
| Med Surg | $44 | $46 |
| Manager | $43 | $46 |
How does the pay for Registered Nurses in Kentucky compare to nearby states?
Maryland pays Registered Nurses the most, averaging $56 per hour, followed by Virginia ($53) and Pennsylvania ($51). Virginia has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $60. For comparison, the Kentucky average for Registered Nurses is $44 per hour — Maryland pays 28% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $56 | $60 |
| Virginia | $53 | $60 |
| Pennsylvania | $51 | $55 |
| Georgia | $49 | $53 |
| North Carolina | $49 | $58 |
| Ohio | $47 | $51 |
| West Virginia | $42 | $47 |
| South Carolina | $40 | $46 |
| Tennessee | $39 | $40 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for Registered Nurse jobs in Kentucky?
Only Perm Staff Jobs reports pay data for Registered Nurses, averaging $40 per hour. Perm Staff Jobs also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $46. For comparison, the Kentucky average for Registered Nurses is $44 per hour — Perm Staff Jobs pays 9% less.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Perm Staff Jobs | $40 | $46 |
Last updated on October 6, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.
Top Registered Nurse Jobs
Registered Nurse (RN) - Cardiac Cath Lab
- TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
- Bowling Green, KY
$46+/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - Telemetry
- TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
- Bowling Green, KY
$46+/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - ICU - Intensive Care Unit
- TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
- Bowling Green, KY
$46+/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - ED - Emergency Department
- TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
- Bowling Green, KY
$46+/hour
Registered Nurse (RN) - OR - Operating Room
- Greenview Surgery Center
- Bowling Green, KY
$46+/hour
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