Frankfort vs Lexington: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Frankfort, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Frankfort, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,630 | $127,316▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.92 | $61.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,778 | $105,560▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,958 | $112,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,672▲ | $135,851 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,999 | $181,658▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Frankfort.
The salary gap between Frankfort and Lexington is $2,686 (2.16%). Lexington's median is -6.98% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Frankfort spans $69,221,Lexington spans $76,098. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Frankfort ($139,563 effective) pays 1.82% more than Lexington ($137,063 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Frankfort if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,563)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,316/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,658)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Frankfort grew 19.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Frankfort, KY
$100,598 (2024) → $120,474 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$94,250 (2019) → $123,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frankfort, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Frankfort or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Frankfort and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Frankfort to Lexington as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Frankfort vs Lexington?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov