New Graduate Nurse Salary Guide: Kentucky
Average New Graduate Nurse Salary
$44.12/hour
The average salary for a New Graduate Nurse in Kentucky is $44.12 per hour. This is 8% higher than the US average of $40.57.
Last updated on October 6, 2026. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
New Graduate Nurse salaries in Kentucky compared to National Averages
$44.12/hour
Kentucky
8% higher than the US average.
$40.57/hour
United States
What cities in Kentucky pay the most for New Graduate Nurses?
Only Bowling Green, Kentucky reports pay data for New Graduate Nurses, averaging $46 per hour. 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 |
How does the pay for New Graduate Nurses in Kentucky compare to nearby states?
Virginia pays New Graduate Nurses the most, averaging $49 per hour, followed by North Carolina ($47) and South Carolina ($42). North Carolina has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $58. For comparison, the Kentucky average for Registered Nurses is $44 per hour — Virginia pays 11% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $49 | $54 |
| North Carolina | $47 | $58 |
| South Carolina | $42 | $46 |
| Tennessee | $42 | $45 |
| Georgia | $32 | $48 |
What are the highest paying Employers and Agencies for New Graduate Nurse jobs in Kentucky?
Only Perm Staff Jobs reports pay data for New Graduate Nurses, averaging $46 per hour. For comparison, the Kentucky average for Registered Nurses is $44 per hour — Perm Staff Jobs pays 4% more.
| Average Hourly Salary | Max Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|
| Perm Staff Jobs | $46 | $46 |
Last updated on October 6, 2026. Information based on active jobs on Vivian.com and pay data from BLS and around the web.

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Go to the guideTop New Graduate Nurse Jobs
Registered Nurse (RN) - New Graduate
- TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
- Bowling Green, KY
$42-46/hour
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