Bowling Green vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,867 | $127,140▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.18 | $61.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,264 | $107,681▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,667▲ | $110,919 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,337 | $142,585▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,175 | $165,375▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 1,580▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Louisville/Jefferson County is $10,273 (8.79%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -7.10% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $48,911,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $57,694. Louisville/Jefferson County 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/Jefferson County ($136,601 effective) pays 5.41% more than Bowling Green ($129,594 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,375)
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,601)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bowling Green grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$98,070 (2019) → $112,970 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$99,700 (2019) → $122,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bowling Green or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Louisville/Jefferson County as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bowling Green vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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