How Much Does an LPN Make in Kentucky in 2026?

A typical LPN in Kentucky earns about $29.07 per hour ($60,460 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down further, that works out to roughly $5,038 a month and $1,163 a week, based on the annual figure. These numbers represent typical pay across the state, covering LPNs in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care settings alike. Actual paychecks vary by employer and location within Kentucky.

Kentucky's typical LPN pay sits about 6% below the national figure of $64,400 a year, according to the same May 2025 data. That gap places the state 42nd out of 51 states and the District of Columbia for LPN pay. Roughly 8,570 LPNs work across Kentucky, giving a sense of scale for how many people these figures represent. Lower pay in Kentucky tends to track its lower cost of living compared with higher-paying states.

Entry-level positions in Kentucky typically offer around $23.28 an hour, or about $48,420 a year, for LPNs just starting out. That's a common starting point for new graduates or those early in their license. Pay generally moves up from there as LPNs gain experience, often reaching the state's typical figure of $60,460 a year within a few years on the job. Additional certifications or specialized units can also help pay climb faster.

Experienced LPNs in Kentucky often earn upwards of $31.29 an hour, or $65,090 a year, once they've built a few years of experience. The top 10% of earners make over $73,220 a year, well above the entry-level range. That's a spread of $24,800 between the lowest and highest earners in the state. Setting, years on the job, and city all play a role in where an individual LPN lands within that range.

A decade ago, in 2015, LPNs in Kentucky typically earned $38,720 a year. By 2025, that figure had climbed to $60,460 a year, a gain of $21,740. That's a rise of 56% over ten years. Pay increased in most years, with a particularly large jump between 2022 and 2023.

Nationally, LPN pay rose 49% over the same ten years, so Kentucky's 56% increase outpaced the national trend. Kentucky's LPN pay still sits below the national figure overall, but it has been closing the gap. For someone starting an LPN career in Kentucky now, pay has moved up steadily over the past decade. Past growth doesn't guarantee future increases, but the trend has been upward.

Louisville pays the most for LPNs in Kentucky, with typical pay reaching $64,460 a year ($30.99 an hour) across the metro area. That's about 7% above the statewide figure of $60,460. Owensboro and Paducah follow closely, with typical pay of $62,180 and $62,060 a year. Pay in Lexington and Fayette County runs close behind, at $61,480 a year.

Ashland pays the least among Kentucky's metro areas tracked, with LPNs there typically earning $54,540 a year ($26.22 an hour). That leaves a spread of $9,920 between Kentucky's highest- and lowest-paying cities. Louisville also has the largest LPN workforce in the state, with about 2,850 LPNs working in the metro. These figures cover each city's full metro area, and higher pay in places like Louisville often lines up with a higher cost of living.

Kentucky's LPN pay falls below most of its neighbors. Illinois pays the most nearby, with LPNs there typically earning $75,000 a year, 24% above Kentucky's figure, and Indiana follows at $65,720, about 9% higher. West Virginia pays less, with typical LPN pay of $55,360 a year, 8% below Kentucky. LPN licenses can often be transferred or endorsed into a neighboring state, which can open up options for those near the border.

Kentucky LPNs typically earn $60,460 a year ($29.07 an hour), a figure that has risen 56% over the past decade. Pay runs highest in Louisville and lowest in Ashland, with entry-level roles starting lower and experienced LPNs earning well above the typical figure. For licensing and registry requirements, check Kentucky's board of nursing page; for local pay details, check the city-specific pages for Kentucky.