State salary hub
Pediatric Nurse Salary in Kentucky 2026
Statewide pay overview, hourly rate, top cities, estimated take-home pay, and city-level links for pediatric nurse roles in KY.
Statewide annual estimate
$68,640
$33.00/hr, $1,320/wk, $5,720/mo
State pay snapshot
Hourly
$33.00
Weekly
$1,320
Monthly
$5,720
Annual
$68,640
This is 12% below the national baseline of $78,000 per year for pediatric nurse.
Top paying cities in KY
| City | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY | $33.99 | $70,699 |
| Lexington, KY | $33.00 | $68,640 |
| Covington, KY | $32.01 | $66,581 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $31.02 | $64,522 |
| Owensboro, KY | $30.36 | $63,149 |
Estimated salary range
10th percentile
$49,421
$23.76/hr
25th percentile
$59,030
$28.38/hr
Median estimate
$68,640
$33.00/hr
75th percentile
$78,250
$37.62/hr
90th percentile
$90,605
$43.56/hr
Take-home pay and taxes
Estimated take-home pay for the statewide salary is about $50,794 per year, or $4,233 per month, using a simplified federal tax assumption and the stored Kentucky state income tax rate. Use a city page calculator to adjust the salary input for a specific offer.
How to increase pay
- Compare offers across the highest-paying cities before accepting a role.
- Ask about shift differential, weekend differential, overtime rules, and call pay.
- Document specialty certifications, high-acuity experience, and unit leadership work.
- Compare total compensation, not only hourly rate: benefits and retirement match matter.
FAQ
How much does a Pediatric Nurse make in Kentucky?
The 2026 statewide estimate is $68,640 per year, or about $33.00 per hour, before taxes.
What are the top cities for Pediatric Nurse salary in KY?
Among the cities in this model, Louisville, Lexington, Covington currently show the highest local estimates for pediatric nurse pay.
Is Kentucky above or below the national average?
Kentucky is estimated to be 12% below the national baseline for pediatric nurse pay after the state cost-of-living adjustment.
Methodology
Last updated April 29, 2026. State estimates start with a national specialty salary baseline and apply the Kentucky cost-of-living multiplier. City pages add local market multipliers. Estimates are for planning and comparison only.