Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Frankfort, KY: $63,958 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Frankfort, KY earns a median $63,958/year (≈ $30.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Frankfort's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $71,622 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse salary in Frankfort, KY is indicated to have a median annual compensation of $63,958, reflecting a slight decrease of 6.04% compared to the national median of $68,071. The pay range for this position varies significantly, with entry-level LPNs earning around $49,572 (P10) and those with more experience or in higher-demand settings reaching up to $83,265 (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities. Additionally, varying opportunities such as shift differentials and weekend premiums substantially influence how much licensed practical nurses make in Frankfort, which can provide fairs for those willing to work in more demanding roles within long-term care settings.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($51,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,572 | $23.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,007 | $27.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,958 | $30.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,001 | $35.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,265 | $40.03 |
Median Salary Position
6.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Frankfort
In Frankfort, KY, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,693 (2026 est.). At $63,958, the local median is 6.04% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Frankfort: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Frankfort Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Frankfort median: $63,958/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Frankfort Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,263 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -6.04% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Frankfort, KY earn a median of $63,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.04% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $65,263.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Frankfort has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Frankfort, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $63,958 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,622 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,611
2025 BLS Actual
$60,509
2026 Current Est.
$63,958
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,611 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,320 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,121 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,613 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,509 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,958 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,604 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Frankfort metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,611 (2019) to $60,509 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,604 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,993 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frankfort metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,572 – $58,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,007 – $63,958 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,958 – $74,001 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,001 – $83,265 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Frankfort
With only six licensed practical nurses currently employed in the Frankfort area, the job market remains relatively limited, yet steady demand persists within local facilities. The cost of living index at 89.3 suggests favorable purchasing power, allowing LPNs to maintain a decent standard of living despite a lower salary compared to the national average. Skilled nursing facilities often offer the highest wages, but home health agencies and physician offices are also viable options. The disparate salary range can largely be attributed to the practice setting—positions in skilled nursing typically pay better than those in home health or physician offices. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing certifications in IV therapy or specializing in high-demand areas can significantly enhance one’s pay packet. Recognizing the value of shift premiums or positioning oneself in demanding weekend roles can also provide opportunities for higher compensation.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Frankfort, KY in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Frankfort?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Frankfort?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,509 for licensed practical nursesin the Frankfort metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Frankfort is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov