Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Kentucky — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Licensed Practical Nurses in Kentucky earn an average of $58,450 per year ($28.10/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 9,190 licensed practical nurses.
Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Kentucky are below the national average by approximately $5,037. Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate of 4%.
Kentucky's economy continues to add licensed practical nurse jobs as population and businesses grow.
Kentucky Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Kentucky after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate of 4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate of 4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Kentucky Licensed Practical Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Kentucky median of $58,450.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Kentucky
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Kentucky — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataLicensed Practical Nurse salaries in Kentucky have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Kentucky's healthcare and long-term care.
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Kentucky
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $64,900 | $31.20 | +11.0% | 3,216 |
| Lexington | $61,950 | $29.78 | +6.0% | 2,573 |
| Bowling Green | $60,200 | $28.94 | +3.0% | 1,654 |
| Owensboro | $56,100 | $26.97 | -4.0% | 827 |
| Covington | $53,200 | $25.58 | -9.0% | 551 |
| Frankfort | $50,850 | $24.45 | -13.0% | 367 |
Tip: Louisville offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Kentucky at $64,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Kentucky vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Kentucky sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Kentucky has a flat state income tax rate of 4%.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Kentucky
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for licensed practical nurses in Kentucky is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Kentucky job market. Kentucky's economy continues to add licensed practical nurse jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Kentucky typically adds $48,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Louisville pays licensed practical nurses $64,900/yr — +11.0% above the Kentucky average. Simply relocating within Kentucky can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Kentucky. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Illinois pays licensed practical nurses $66,030/yr — 13.0% vs Kentucky.
Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in Kentucky
Live ListingsSearch current licensed practical nurse job vacancies in Kentucky:
🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kentucky — Indeed→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kentucky — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Licensed Practical Nurse jobs — Louisville, KY→