Lexington vs Paducah: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lexington, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,984 | $65,597▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.24 | $31.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,884 | $53,643▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,027▲ | $57,385 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,462▲ | $66,380 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,732▲ | $68,990 |
| Total Employed | 970▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Lexington and Paducah are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lexington and Paducah is $613 (0.94%). 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 Lexington spans $26,848,Paducah spans $15,347. Lexington 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 8.92% more than Lexington ($69,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,732)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,597/year)
- ✓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 Lexington grew 36.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.4% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$45,150 (2019) → $61,480 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$60,590 (2024) → $62,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lexington or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Paducah as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Lexington 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