Paducah vs Richmond: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Paducah, KY and Richmond, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Paducah, KY | Richmond, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,597▲ | $64,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.54▲ | $30.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,643▲ | $50,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,385 | $58,713▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,380 | $74,776▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,990 | $78,106▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Paducah, KY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Paducah and Richmond is $1,310 (2.04%). 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 Paducah spans $15,347,Richmond spans $27,999. Richmond 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, Paducah ($76,201 effective) pays 5.85% more than Richmond ($71,990 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,106)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Paducah grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Paducah, KY
$60,590 (2024) → $62,060 (2025)
Richmond, KY
$44,843 (2024) → $60,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Paducah, KY
Richmond, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Paducah or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Paducah and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Paducah to Richmond as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Paducah vs Richmond?
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