Hopkinsville vs Owensboro: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hopkinsville, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hopkinsville, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,979 | $133,223▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.61 | $64.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,197 | $103,305▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,585 | $111,602▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,329 | $145,833▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,558 | $178,441▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Owensboro, KY offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hopkinsville.
The salary gap between Hopkinsville and Owensboro is $9,244 (7.46%). Owensboro's median is -2.66% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hopkinsville spans $68,361,Owensboro spans $75,136. Owensboro 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, Owensboro ($150,348 effective) pays 8.29% more than Hopkinsville ($138,834 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hopkinsville if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,223/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,441)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,348)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Hopkinsville grew 19.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Hopkinsville, KY
$100,072 (2024) → $119,844 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$100,800 (2019) → $128,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hopkinsville, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hopkinsville or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hopkinsville and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Hopkinsville to Owensboro as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Hopkinsville vs Owensboro?
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