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Registered Nurse Salary in Louisville, KY — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Louisville's cost of living (index: 87). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Louisville — Key Numbers

$74,881
Median Salary
$59,934
25th Percentile
$93,690
75th Percentile
$115,432
90th Percentile
National median (Registered Nurse)$86,070
vs. National median-13.0%
Louisville median household income$59,600
vs. City household income+25.6%

Cost of Living in Louisville

Cost of Living Index
87(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$895/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.3%
Annual rent cost$10,740
Median Home Price$235,000
Home Price / Salary3.1×
20% Down Payment$47,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Louisville

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
1,410,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
37.3
Median Age

Louisville has a metro population of 1,410,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Louisville

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Cost of Living — Louisville
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Registered Nurse Salary in Kentucky
Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Louisville

Physician$199,491Chief Executive Officer$182,700Dentist$152,694IT Manager$147,474Marketing Manager$137,129Lawyer$126,811

Registered Nurse Salary — Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY$77,463

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Louisville, KY?

The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Louisville is $74,881 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Louisville's cost of living index (87). The typical salary range runs from $59,934 (25th percentile) to $93,690 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $115,432.

Is Louisville affordable for a Registered Nurse?

On a $74,881 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Louisville would spend approximately 14.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($895/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Louisville relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $235,000 is 3.1× the annual salary.

How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Louisville's overall income?

Louisville's median household income is $59,600. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $74,881 earns 25.6% more than the typical Louisville household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Registered Nurse — NationalRegistered Nurse in KentuckyAll Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.