Murray vs Paducah: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Murray, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Murray, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,066 | $65,597▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.36 | $31.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,492 | $53,643▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,916▲ | $57,385 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,753▲ | $66,380 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,332▲ | $68,990 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Paducah, KY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.
The salary gap between Murray and Paducah is $4,531 (7.42%). Paducah's median is -3.63% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Murray spans $22,840,Paducah spans $15,347. Murray 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, Paducah ($76,201 effective) pays 11.43% more than Murray ($68,383 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Murray if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,332)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,597/year)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,201)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Murray grew 35.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.4% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Murray, KY
$42,596 (2024) → $57,773 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$60,590 (2024) → $62,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Murray, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Murray or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Murray and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Murray to Paducah as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Murray vs Paducah?
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