Ashland vs Lexington: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Ashland, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,343 | $64,984▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.05 | $31.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,623 | $50,884▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,909 | $60,027▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,599 | $68,462▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,359 | $77,732▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 970▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Lexington is $6,641 (11.38%). Lexington's median is -4.53% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $23,736,Lexington spans $26,848. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($69,959 effective) pays 7.08% more than Ashland ($65,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,984/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,732)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,959)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Ashland grew 27.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.2% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$43,326 (2024) → $55,197 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$45,150 (2019) → $61,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Ashland or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Lexington as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Ashland vs Lexington?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov