Licensed Vocational Nurse salary in Kentucky
A licensed vocational nurse in Kentucky earns an estimated $60,460 a year ($29.07/hr) — about 6% below the U.S. average, with most between $54,290 and $65,090. State figures are estimates based on national pay for the role and local cost of living — a starting point, not a guaranteed local wage.
Licensed Vocational Nurse — Kentucky
Verified public wage dataMedian annual pay
$60,460
-6% vs nationalHourly
$29.07/hr
- Typical range
- $54,290–$65,090
- What most nurses earn
- High end
- $73,220
- Top earners
- Entry level
- $48,420
- Newer nurses
Licensed Vocational Nurse pay by city in Kentucky
Estimated pay in the state's largest metro areas.
| City | Est. annual | Est. hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $64,460 | $30.99 |
| Lexington | $61,480 | $29.56 |
Licensed Vocational Nurse pay in nearby-paying states
How Kentucky compares to states with similar licensed vocational nurse pay.
Other nursing roles in Kentucky
Compare estimated pay for related roles in this state.
What affects licensed vocational nurse pay in Kentucky
Pay below the national median; low cost of living. For a licensed vocational nurse specifically, pay is shaped by the metro labor market, hospital vs clinic vs long-term-care setting, union presence, shift differentials, unit acuity, and years of experience. Certifications and a move into charge or advanced-practice roles raise pay further. Use the calculator to estimate your own.
Where this figure comes from
This is the actual median wage reported for Kentucky in official U.S. government wage data — about 6% below the U.S. average. It is measured from employer-reported payroll, not estimated from a national average.
In Kentucky, the lowest-paid 10% earn about $48,420 and the highest-paid 10% about $73,220. Where you land depends on specialty, shift, overtime, union status, employer type, and years of experience.
Source year: 2025. Updated when new official wage data is published.
How to use this state figure
- It’s the median actually reported for Kentucky — half of nurses earn more, half earn less. A midpoint, not an offer you’re guaranteed.
- Your actual pay shifts with role and specialty, care setting, shift, overtime, union status, and years of experience — so compare a role-specific page and personalize the calculator.
- Reviewed salary submissions from nurses in Kentucky make this page more precise over time.
Licensed Vocational Nurse salary in Kentucky — FAQ
- How much does a licensed vocational nurse make in Kentucky?
- A licensed vocational nurse in Kentucky earns an estimated $60,460 a year — about $29.07 an hour, with most between $54,290 and $65,090. That's about 6% below the national average. This is an estimate based on national pay for the role and Kentucky's local pay level, not a guaranteed local wage.
- Is Kentucky a good state for licensed vocational nurses?
- For pay, Kentucky sits about 6% below the national average for licensed vocational nurses. A higher number often comes with a higher cost of living, so weigh the estimated $60,460 against local housing and expenses rather than the headline figure alone.
- Which city in Kentucky pays licensed vocational nurses the most?
- Among Kentucky metros we track, Louisville tends to have the highest estimated pay for licensed vocational nurses, at roughly $64,460 a year. City figures are estimates based on the role's national pay and local cost of living.
- How does Kentucky licensed vocational nurse pay compare to the national average?
- The national figure for a licensed vocational nurse is about $64,400 a year, versus an estimated $60,460 in Kentucky — about 6% below the national average. Use the calculator to factor in your experience, specialty, and shift.
- Why are some figures verified and others estimates?
- National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.
Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.
BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)
Kentucky figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Kentucky (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.
Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology
Estimated figure — national licensed vocational nurse pay adjusted for Kentucky. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.