In Louisville, KY, Registered Nurses earn a median of $79,260 a year — about 16% below the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #44.
What that pay is worth in Louisville
Local prices run 93 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $85,620 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $91,991 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Louisville?
A typical Louisville home runs about $221,500 — 2.6 times the average Registered Nurse salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,069/mo takes roughly 15% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Louisville
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $62,140; the top 10% reach $103,490 — a $41,350 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Louisville
Louisville employs roughly 17,730 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Louisville with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Louisville against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Louisville?
The average Registered Nurse in Louisville, KY earns about $85,620 per year, 9.4% below the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Louisville after taxes?
After federal and KY taxes, this $85,620 salary is worth about $66,184 a year - roughly $5,515 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 23%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Louisville?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Louisville earn about $103,490 a year, versus about $62,140 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Louisville?
A typical Louisville home runs about $221,500 - roughly 2.6x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.