Bowling Green vs Hopkinsville: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Hopkinsville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Hopkinsville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,321▲ | $81,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.06▲ | $39.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,799▲ | $56,728 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,299▲ | $65,476 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,076▲ | $91,250 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,923 | $113,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,870▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Bowling Green, KY offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hopkinsville.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Hopkinsville is $2,128 (2.62%). Bowling Green's median is -18.89% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $42,124,Hopkinsville spans $56,886. Hopkinsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bowling Green ($92,395 effective) pays 1.62% more than Hopkinsville ($90,922 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,321/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,395)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Hopkinsville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,614)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Bowling Green grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in Hopkinsville over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$58,710 (2019) → $79,120 (2025)
Hopkinsville, KY
$65,265 (2024) → $77,099 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Hopkinsville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov