Hopkinsville vs Louisville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hopkinsville, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hopkinsville, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,979 | $138,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.61 | $66.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,197 | $98,256▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,585 | $117,560▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,329 | $167,563▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,558 | $189,041▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hopkinsville.
The salary gap between Hopkinsville and Louisville is $14,730 (11.88%). Louisville's median is +1.35% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hopkinsville spans $68,361,Louisville spans $90,785. Louisville 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, Louisville ($155,329 effective) pays 11.88% more than Hopkinsville ($138,834 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hopkinsville if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,709/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,041)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,329)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Hopkinsville grew 19.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Hopkinsville, KY
$100,072 (2024) → $119,844 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$111,962 (2024) → $134,083 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hopkinsville, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hopkinsville or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hopkinsville and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Hopkinsville to Louisville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Hopkinsville vs Louisville?
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