Nurse Practitioner Salary in Ashland, KY: $131,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nurse practitioner in Ashland, KY earns a median $131,686/year (≈ $63.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1171). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $147,465 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for nurse practitioners in Ashland, Kentucky is projected to sit at a median annual salary of $131,686, reflecting a slight dip compared to the national average of $136,864. The salary range is broad, from $104,341 at the 10th percentile to $161,619 at the 90th percentile, indicating variations in earnings based on experience, specialty, and employment context. These figures derive from projections based on 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data adjusted to account for regional cost discrepancies, emphasizing how local dynamics play a role in compensation. In a state with full-practice authority, nurse practitioners can operate independently, which may influence earning potential and the attractiveness of positions offered in Ashland's healthcare market.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,341 | $50.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $118,375 | $56.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $131,686 | $63.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,810 | $72.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,619 | $77.70 |
Median Salary Position
3.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the nurse practitioner salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,278 (2026 est.). At $131,686, the local median is 3.78% below the national median of $136,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Nurse Practitioner Pay Compares
Ashland median: $131,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $127,233 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $136,864 | -3.78% less |
Nurse Practitioners in Ashland, KY earn a median of $131,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.78% lower than the national median of $136,864 and 3.50% above the Kentucky state average of $127,233.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A nurse practitioner earning $131,686 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $147,465 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$105,665
2025 BLS Actual
$127,294
2026 Current Est.
$131,686
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,454 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $117,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $121,483 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,696 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,229 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median nurse practitioner salary grew 20.5% from $105,665 (2019) to $127,294 (2025). At a 3.45% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,229 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,564 (28.93%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $104,341 – $118,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $118,375 – $131,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $131,686 – $150,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,810 – $161,619 |
NP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nurse practitioner compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nurse Practitioner Job Market in Ashland
Despite only four nurse practitioners currently employed in Ashland, the job market for these professionals seems promising as the area boasts a cost-of-living index of 89.3, providing a favorable financial environment that can enhance purchasing power. Employers like hospital outpatient clinics and primary care practices typically offer higher salaries compared to urgent care chains or retail clinics, reflecting the complexity and demand for skilled care in the community. The disparity in earnings often stems from the focus on specialty populations; those with certifications as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) generally command higher wages due to an increased need for mental health services. To maximize their pay in Ashland, nurse practitioners should consider diversifying their skill sets, obtaining additional certifications, and exploring telehealth opportunities, which can supplement income and provide flexibility.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $127,294 for nurse practitionersin the Ashland metropolitan area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashland is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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