Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,140 | $128,485▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.13 | $61.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,681▲ | $103,233 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,919▲ | $108,229 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,585▲ | $137,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,375▲ | $156,603 |
| Total Employed | 1,580▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $1,345 (1.06%). Paducah's median is -6.12% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $57,694,Paducah spans $53,370. Louisville/Jefferson County 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 ($149,255 effective) pays 9.26% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($136,601 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,375)
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,485/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,255)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 23.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$99,700 (2019) → $122,900 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$109,160 (2024) → $124,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Paducah as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
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