Louisville/Jefferson County vs Owensboro: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,134▲ | $65,724 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.76▲ | $31.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,380▲ | $52,797 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,008▲ | $62,437 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,973▲ | $67,246 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,503▲ | $76,886 |
| Total Employed | 2,850▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Owensboro is $2,410 (3.67%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +0.09% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $22,123,Owensboro spans $24,089. Owensboro 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, Owensboro ($74,172 effective) pays 1.32% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($73,204 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,134/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,503)
- ✓Larger job market (2,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,172)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 43.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.8% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$44,970 (2019) → $64,460 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$44,790 (2019) → $62,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Owensboro as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Owensboro?
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