Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,984 | $68,134▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.24 | $32.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,884 | $56,380▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,027 | $63,008▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,462 | $74,973▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,732 | $78,503▲ |
| Total Employed | 970 | 2,850▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $3,150 (4.85%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +0.09% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $26,848,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $22,123. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($73,204 effective) pays 4.64% more than Lexington ($69,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,134/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,503)
- ✓Larger job market (2,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,204)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lexington grew 36.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.3% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$45,150 (2019) → $61,480 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$44,970 (2019) → $64,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lexington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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