Travel Nursing in Kentucky | Top Paying Specialties & Cities 2023
Travel Nursing in Kentucky
If you desire a travel assignment that also offers a wide range of outdoor activities and interesting attractions, travel nursing in Kentucky might be exactly up your alley! From the beautiful rolling hills of horse country to the bustling cities of Louisville and Lexington, there’s something for everyone. You can spend your days off doing exciting outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking. Or peruse the city’s many historical sites, entertainment venues, world-class art galleries, or bourbon tastings.
Did we forget to mention Kentucky’s mouthwatering barbeque? Fun and food aside, travel nursing in Kentucky has its monetary benefits as well. According to ZipRecruiter, as of March 2023, the median annual salary of travel nurses in Kentucky is $92,813, just shy of $50/hr! Although that is slightly below Ziprecruter’s median nationwide travel nurse salary of $106,030, Kentucky also offers a significantly lower cost of living than most other US states. That means your money will stretch much further there.
Looking for travel nurse assignments in Kentucky? Speak with a recruiter today!
How Much do Travel Nurses Make in Kentucky?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky pays nurses an annual median salary of $67,260 or $32/hr. That is below the national median annual wage of $77,600. However, travel nurses in Kentucky may find contracts that offer much more due to staffing shortages or crisis needs.
That may also be why, according to Indeed.com, travel nurses in Kentucky earn an average of $2,463 per week. Here are the highest-paying cities for travel nurses in Kentucky:
| City | Hourly Wage | Weekly Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Hazard | $62.57 | $2,671 | $10,337 |
| Lexington | $62.38 | $2,481 | $10,305 |
| Louisville | $57.47 | $2,454 | $9,494 |
| Pikeville | $56.51 | $2,413 | $9,337 |
| Prestonburg | $55.81 | $2,383 | $9,221 |
Highest Paying Specialties in Kentucky
Kentucky has a wide variety of hospitals and healthcare centers that serve the needs of its residents. This includes a mix of top-rated university medical centers, community hospitals, and smaller rural facilities.
It is important to understand that travel nurse income can vary widely depending on the following factors:
- The city where you work (larger cities typically pay more)
- Specialty
- Years of experience
- Type of healthcare facility
- Education level
- Staffing level needs at the facility
ZipRecruiter reports that Kentucky ranks 34 out of 50 states across the nation for travel nurse salaries. The travel nurse pay range in Kentucky ranges widely across the state, and there is a wide range of opportunities based on experience, specialty, and skill level. Keep in mind that travel nurse salaries can change quickly as staffing needs change.
According to ZipRecruiter, these are the highest-paying specialties in Kentucky:
- Operating Room Travel Nurse: $169,310 annually or $81.40/hr
- Pediatrics Travel Nurse: $159,866 annually or $76.86/hr
- Oncology Travel Nurse: $155,980 annually or $74.99/hr
- Operating Room Travel: $154,015 annually or $74.05/hr
- Medical Surgical Travel Nurse: $151,484 annually or $72.83/hr
Near or far – find the right travel nurse assignment for you.
Top 5 Hospitals in Kentucky
Kentucky has 120 hospitals across the state. Of those, six meet U.S. News and World Report’s high standard qualifications. Here are the top five hospitals in the Bluegrass State:
1. St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood-Covington Hospitals
St. Elizabeth Healthcare Edgewood-Covington Hospitals are a part of St. Elizabeth Healthcare, an award-winning network of hospitals and healthcare centers in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Services available include emergency care, primary care, cardiovascular care, cancer treatments, surgical services, pediatric services, and behavioral health services. The Edgewood-Covington hospitals are proudly recognized as Magnet Designated hospitals by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for excellence in nursing care.
- Location: Edgewood
- Regionally Ranked: #1 in Kentucky and #2 in Cincinnati
- Nationally Ranked: 0 Specialties
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Diabetes
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Neurology &Neurosurgery
- Spinal Fusion
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Fracture
- Spinal Fusion
- Hip Fusion
- Knee Replacement
- Pulmonary & Lung Surgery
- COPD
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Pneumonia
- Cancer
1. University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital
University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital is a teaching hospital in Lexington and is tied with St. Elizabeth Healthcare as the #1 hospital in Kentucky. This 600-bed hospital has been providing comprehensive medical care for more than 70 years and is one of the largest healthcare complexes in Central and Eastern Kentucky. The hospital offers various services, including emergency medicine, cardiology, oncology, and obstetrics/gynecology.
The evaluation of this university hospital also includes information collected from Kentucky Childrens Hospital and the UK Health Good Samaritan Hospital.
- Location: Lexington
- Regionally Ranked: #1 in Kentucky and #17 in Midwest
- Nationally Ranked: 1 Adult Specialty and 2 Children’s Specialties
- 33 Cancer
- 16 Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Ovarian Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology and Heart Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Heart Failure
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Ovarian Cancer Surgery
- Pulmonary & Lung Surgery
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Pneumonia
- Cancer
3. Baptist Health Lexington Hospital
Baptist Health Lexington Hospital is a 434-bed tertiary care hospital and major medical research and education facility. It is the flagship of Baptist Health, an integrated health system with eight hospitals and more than 120 outpatient centers across the state, along with an additional hospital located in Kentucky. The hospital offers various medical services, including cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, obstetrics, and gynecology.
- Location: Lexington
- Regionally Ranked: #3 in Kentucky
- Nationally Ranked: 0 Specialties
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Uterine Cancer
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- AAA Repair
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Spinal Fusion
- Stroke
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Uterine Cancer Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Hip Fracture
- Spinal Fusion
- Hip Replacement
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- COPD
- Cancer
4. Baptist Health Louisville Hospital
Baptist Health Louisville is a 519-bed hospital located in Lexington, Kentucky, and is a part of the same health system as Baptist Health in Lexington. This facility offers a wide range of healthcare services in cancer care, diabetes, endocrinology, heart care, orthopedics, and neurology, just to name a few. Baptist Health Louisville also has innovative technologies like robotic-assisted surgery and a high-tech intensive care unit for advanced medical treatments.
- Location: Louisville
- Regionally Ranked: #3 in Kentucky (tied with Baptist Health Lexington) and #1 in Louisville
- Nationally Ranked: 0 Specialties
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cancer
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- AAA Repair
- Heart Attack
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Heart Bypass Surgery
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Diabetes
- Gastroenterology and GI Surgery
- Colon Cancer Surgery
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Pulmonary & Ling Surgery
- COPD
- Cancer
5. Norton Hospitals
Norton Hospitals are general medical and surgical facilities in Louisville and are rated high-performing in 9 adult procedures. This evaluation also includes data from four facilities: Norton Audubon Hospital, Norton Brownsboro Hospital, Norton Healthcare Pavilion, and Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
- Location: Louisville
- Regionally Ranked: #5 in Kentucky and #2 in Louisville
- Nationally Ranked: 0 Specialties
- High-Performing Specialties and Conditions:
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
- Heart Attack
- Heart Failure
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Diabetes
- Nephrology
- Kidney Failure
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Stroke
- Orthopedics
- Hip Replacement
- Knee Replacement
- Pulmonary & Lung Surgery
- COPD
- Cardiology & Heart Surgery
Cost of Living for Travel Nurses in Kentucky
If you are considering taking a travel nursing assignment in Kentucky, you may already know that the state has a lower cost of living than the U.S. average. According to Kentucky.gov, the cost of living in Kentucky is 11.4% lower than the U.S. average. Fortunately, this also means that your dollars should stretch farther than they would in most U.S. States.
The two major cities in Kentucky are Lexington and Louisville. Prospective renters and homeowners should know that these bustling cities have many affordable options. According to Rent.com:
- Lexington
- Housing costs are 24.6% below the national average
- A one-bedroom, unfurnished apartment typically costs around $1,254 per month, and a two-bedroom runs about $1,607 per month
- Louisville
- Housing costs are 22.6% below the national average
- A one-bedroom, unfurnished apartment goes for about $1,040 per month, and a two-bedroom goes for about $1,199.
BestPlaces.net has a cost-of-living index based on a US average of 100. This means anything above 100 equals a higher cost of living, and below 100 equals a lower cost of living compared to the rest of the nation. Bestplaces.net reports that Kentucky has an overall cost of living of 82.3, much lower than the national average. This is great news if you want to earn higher wages as a travel nurse but maintain a lower cost of living.
Here is a rundown of the cost of living based on a US average of 100, according to BestPlaces.net:
- Groceries: 94.2
- Housing: 56.9
- Utilities: 92.9
- Transportation: 89.1
*Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Kentucky is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Kentucky is more expensive. BestPlaces.net
Pros & Cons of Travel Nursing in Kentucky
Before taking the plunge and accepting a travel nursing assignment in Kentucky, it is wise to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros of Travel Nursing in Kentucky
- Cost of Living – Kentucky has a significantly lower cost of living than other states in the US. This makes it an affordable place to live, work, and enjoy your days off! This can be especially beneficial for travel nurses seeking to save money or minimize expenses while still enjoying the quality of life they desire.
- Great outdoor adventures – Kentucky is a great location for outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. The state boasts over 200 lakes, rivers, and streams and has plenty of navigatable waterways for boating and fishing.
- Southern comfort food – Kentucky has its own original style of cooking known as “Kentucky country cooking,” which features recipes passed down from generation to generation. Enjoy the most delectable southern fare, including favorites such as fried chicken and biscuits or Burgoo. And need I say more than Kentucky bourbon? I mean, there’s an entire bourbon trail for bourbon lovers!
- Music venues – Kentucky is known for its music venues. Go see a show at the historic Louisville Palace where acts such as Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Elton John, and many more have all performed.
- Social activities – As you make friends with other local nurses, you will have plenty of social activities to do! There are plenty of great restaurants and bars to check out. And if you time your travel nursing assignment right, maybe you can even go to the Kentucky Derby – one of the biggest and most iconic horse races in the world!
Cons of Travel Nursing in Kentucky
- Potentially severe weather conditions – Some areas of the state are prone to flooding and tornados. Also, there is usually high heat and humidity in the summer.
- Limited public transit – Depending on where you want to live, you may need a car. The public transit system in Kentucky is not extensive, but there are some options available. In larger cities like Louisville and Lexington, there are public bus systems. If you live outside a major city there are fewer options, and it may be better to have your own car.
- Lack of diversity – According to US News and World Report, Kentucky is known as one of the least diverse states in the country. 81.3% of residents identify as white, 7.9% identify as black or African American, and 4.6% identify as Latino.
- Higher crime rates in some areas – According to US News & World Reports, Louisville and Lexington have a higher crime rate than similarly sized metropolitan areas.
- Lower-ranked education – According to a recent study by WalletHub, Kentucky ranks 43 out of 50 for the least educated state in America. In addition, Kentucky ranks 6th worst among states for college affordability. This really only applies if you’re traveling with children.
Things To Do on Your Days Off
There are so many exciting and fun activities to take advantage of during your travel assignment in Kentucky. Take a look at these fun adventures:
Outdoor
- Horseback Riding
- Whitewater Rafting
- Rock Climbing at Red River Gorge
- Fishing
- Hiking
Art and Music
- The Louisville Palace
- Headliners Music Hall
- The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
- The Louisville Orchestra
- The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft
Theaters
- Singletary Center for the Arts
- Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center
- Actors Theatre of Louisville
- The Carnegie
- Pioneer Playhouse
Why Kentucky?
If we haven’t clarified already, Kentucky is an awesome place for your next travel assignment! The Bluegrass State is well-known for its vibrant cities, rolling hills, outdoor activities, and friendly people. Not to mention that it’s home to some of the best bourbon, horse racing, and bluegrass music in the world. And Kentucky has a significantly lower cost of living compared with the rest of the nation to boot. Best of all, for those looking for a little bit of Southern hospitality, Kentucky has it in spades!
Speak with a recruiter about available travel nursing assignments in Kentucky!
