Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $54,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,450, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized healthcare roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific compensation in this region is influenced by local healthcare infrastructure, the cost of doing business, and the overall supply and demand dynamics for nursing professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,490.
- Outlook: The job market for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,020 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.45 indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent and potentially growing need for their services within the region's healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-16.0%below the national average.
$26
$1,042
$4,514
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses across the nation, including regions like South Central Kentucky, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by an aging population, increased healthcare needs, and ongoing efforts to address nursing shortages, which typically translate to upward pressure on wages.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often represented by percentile differences, signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise and tenure within the nursing field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $45,610 | $21.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $40,628 | $19.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $56,830 | $27.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $67,713 | $32.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $61,490 | $29.6 |
Detailed Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $54,170 in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services, housing, and transportation is comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
1,020
Total Jobs
5.95
Per 1K Jobs
1.45
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.45, South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.45, South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a concentration of Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses that is 45% higher than the national average. This suggests a relatively abundant job market for these professionals, indicating that employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics and salary negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $58,620↑ 8% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $59,890↑ 11% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $61,270↑ 13% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salary | $61,940↑ 14% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $54,170. This typically ranges from $45,610 for entry-level positions to $61,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 16.0% lower than the national median of $64,450.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $54,170 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,450. The high concentration of nurses (LQ of 1.45) also suggests a competitive market.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($58,620) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the number of LPNs in South Central Kentucky compare to the national average?
South Central Kentucky has 5.95 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses per 1,000 workers, which is higher than the national average, indicating a strong presence of these professionals in the region.
What is the total number of LPNs in South Central Kentucky?
There are approximately 1,020 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses employed in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience impact LPN salary in this region?
Yes, like most healthcare roles, experience significantly influences salary. Senior LPNs typically earn more than entry-level professionals due to their accumulated skills and knowledge.
Is the cost of living high in South Central Kentucky?
No, the cost of living in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (index of 100), meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the United States.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,020 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.95 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area