Registered Nurse in Georgetown, KY

The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

For a Registered Nurse (RN) considering a move to Georgetown, Kentucky, the numbers paint a clear picture of a stable, affordable market. The median annual salary for an RN in Georgetown is $84,288/year, with a corresponding hourly rate of $40.52/hour. This places it slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but the true value lies in the cost of living. When you factor in Kentucky's lower tax burden and the region's affordability, that $84,288 stretches significantly further than it would in most major metropolitan areas.

The local healthcare market is active, with approximately 343 available jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 6%, indicating consistent demand for skilled nursing professionals. This isn't a boom market, but it's a reliable one, especially given the region's aging population and the presence of major healthcare systems.

To understand where you might fit into this salary structure, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local hiring trends and regional data.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Est. Georgetown Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$68,000 - $76,000	Often starts in Med-Surg or Telemetry. New grad residency programs are common at larger hospitals.
Mid-Career	3-8 years	$80,000 - $92,000	This is where the median salary of $84,288 sits. Specialties begin to matter (e.g., ICU, ER).
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$90,000 - $105,000+	Charge nurse roles, clinical ladders, or specialized certifications (e.g., CCRN, OCN) drive pay up.
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$100,000 - $125,000+	Nurse Manager, APRN (Nurse Practitioner), or clinical educator roles. Requires advanced degrees.

Insider Tip: Shift differentials are significant here. Night and weekend differentials at major hospitals like Baptist Health Lexington or St. Joseph Hospital can add $2.00 to $5.00 per hour to your base rate, which can push a mid-career nurse's take-home pay well above the median.

Comparison to Other Kentucky Cities:

• Louisville: Higher salaries (median ~$86,000), but higher cost of living and more competition.
• Lexington: Very similar to Georgetown, as they are part of the same metro area. Salaries are competitive, often $82,000 - $90,000 for mid-career RNs.
• Bowling Green: Slightly lower salaries (median ~$80,000), but even lower cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, what does an RN earning the median $84,288 actually take home in Georgetown? Let's break it down.

First, taxes. In Kentucky, you're looking at:

• Federal Tax (Approx. 22% for this bracket): ~$18,500
• State Tax (5.0% flat): ~$4,214
• FICA (7.65%): ~$6,450
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$55,124 (or ~$4,594/month)

Now, housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in the area is $837/month. This is a key differentiator. In Georgetown and the surrounding metro area (including parts of Scott and Franklin counties), you can find quality 1BR apartments in the $750 - $950 range.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an RN earning $84,288:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Monthly Take-Home Pay	$4,594	After taxes and deductions
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$837	Can be lower in some neighborhoods
Utilities	$150	Electric, water, internet (varies by season)
Groceries	$350
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential in this car-dependent region
Health Insurance	$200	Pre-tax deduction by employer
Retirement (401k)	$250	Recommended to get employer match
Misc. (Entertainment, etc.)	$400
Remaining/Savings	$2,012	Strong capacity for savings or debt payoff

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Georgetown metro area is around $250,000 - $275,000. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) might be $1,400 - $1,600. With $2,000+ in monthly surplus after a typical rental budget, saving for a down payment is very feasible within a few years. The Cost of Living Index of 93.1 (US avg = 100) confirms you get 6.9% more purchasing power here than the national average.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

Georgetown's healthcare market is anchored by a mix of major regional systems and specialized local facilities. The majority of jobs are within a 30-minute commute in Lexington, but Georgetown itself has growing opportunities.

1. Baptist Health Lexington: The dominant player in the region. While its main campus is in Lexington, it operates several outpatient clinics and urgent care centers in Georgetown and Scott County. They are a massive employer with a $84,288 median salary range. Hiring is constant, especially for Med-Surg, Telemetry, and ICU. They offer a strong clinical ladder and tuition reimbursement.
2. St. Joseph Hospital (Lexington): Part of the Bon Secours Mercy Health system, this is a major competitor to Baptist Health. Similar pay scale and specialties. They are known for their cardiac and orthopedic programs. Commute from Georgetown is about 25-30 minutes via I-75.
3. Georgetown Community Hospital: A 100-bed acute care facility right in town. This is a key local employer. Salaries may be slightly below the metro median ($80,000 - $90,000), but the commute is unbeatable. They have a strong focus on family medicine, surgery, and women's services. It's a community-oriented environment, often with a more personal feel than the large Lexington hospitals.
4. University of Kentucky HealthCare (UK HealthCare): Located in Lexington, UK is a major academic medical center and Level I trauma center. Pay is competitive, often at or above the $84,288 median, especially for specialized roles. They offer unique opportunities for research and teaching. The commute is similar to other Lexington hospitals.
5. The Surgery Center of Georgetown: An outpatient surgery center located in town. Perfect for RNs seeking a Monday-Friday, no-weekends schedule. Pay is typically hourly, ranging from $32 - $40/hour, depending on experience. Less stress, but fewer opportunities for overtime.
6. Local Nursing Homes & Long-Term Care Facilities: Names like Signature HealthCARE and Spring Hill have facilities in the area. These are consistent sources of employment, often with hiring bonuses. Pay may be on the lower end of the spectrum ($70,000 - $78,000), but opportunities for advancement to charge nurse or DON roles exist.

Hiring Trend: Demand is steady. The post-pandemic market has cooled slightly from the 2021-2022 highs, but with 343 jobs open and 6% growth, it's still a candidate's market. Specialized certifications (e.g., CCRN for ICU, CEN for ER) make you highly sought-after.

Getting Licensed in KY

If you're not already licensed in Kentucky, the process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements (via Kentucky Board of Nursing):

1. NCLEX-RN Exam Pass: You must have passed the national licensure exam.
2. Application: Submit an application through the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) online portal. You'll need to provide official transcripts from your nursing program.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required. The KBN uses a third-party vendor for this.
4. Fees: The initial licensure fee is $120 ($85 for application, $35 for background check). The NCLEX exam fee is paid to Pearson VUE separately ($200). Total initial cost: ~$320.

Timeline:

• If you're already an RN in another state (e.g., a Compact State like Ohio, Indiana, or Tennessee): You can apply for a Temporary Permit to work while your full license is processed. This can be as quick as 1-2 weeks. The Compact (NLC) allows RNs from other NLC states to practice in Kentucky without a new license. Note: Kentucky is a compact state, and if you hold a primary state of residence in a compact state, your license is valid here. If you are moving your residency to KY, you must apply for a KY license.
• If you are a new grad or from a non-compact state: The full process typically takes 4-8 weeks from the time you submit a complete application and fingerprints. It's crucial to start this process before you move or accept a job offer.

Insider Tip: The KBN website can be clunky. Call them directly with questions. Their customer service is helpful. Also, if you're moving from a compact state, remember: if you establish KY as your primary residence, you must notify your home state board and apply for a KY license, as your compact privilege is tied to your home state license.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Georgetown and its suburbs offer a range of living options, from historic charm to modern suburbs. Most RNs commute, so access to I-75 is key.

1. Historic Downtown Georgetown: Your commute to Georgetown Community Hospital or The Surgery Center is a 5-10 minute walk or drive. For jobs in Lexington, it's a 25-30 minute drive via I-75. Charming, walkable, with local cafes and shops. Rent for a historic 1BR or studio: $750 - $950/month.
2. South Georgetown / Scott County: Modern, family-friendly subdivisions with newer apartments and single-family homes. Easy access to I-75 for a quick commute to Lexington. Very common for healthcare workers. 1BR apartment: $800 - $1,000/month.
3. Lexington (North Side - Hamburg/Beaumont): If you're prioritizing a shorter commute to Baptist Health or UK HealthCare (10-15 minutes), consider living on the north side of Lexington. This is a commercial hub with lots of amenities. However, rent is higher. 1BR apartment: $1,000 - $1,200/month.
4. Frankfort (20 mins north): The state capital. A smaller city with a lower cost of living than Georgetown. Commute to Georgetown is easy via US-60 or I-64. Good for those who want a smaller-town feel with city amenities. 1BR apartment: $650 - $850/month.
5. Versailles (15 mins east): A beautiful, historic town known for horse farms. Commute to Georgetown is straightforward via US-60. Offers a unique, upscale small-town lifestyle. 1BR apartment: $700 - $900/month.

Commute Insight: Traffic on I-75 between Georgetown and Lexington is predictable. The worst of it is typically southbound in the morning (to Lex) and northbound in the evening. It adds 10-15 minutes to your trip if you hit peak times.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Georgetown long-term can be very rewarding professionally and financially.

Specialty Premiums:

• ICU/Critical Care: +$2 - $5/hour differential.
• ER/Trauma: +$3 - $6/hour differential (Level I trauma at UK is a major draw).
• OR/Perioperative: Can command a premium, especially in specialized surgery centers.
• Labor & Delivery: Steady demand, with a standard differential.
• Home Health/Hospice: Often salaried positions ranging from $80,000 - $95,000, with mileage reimbursement.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Most major hospitals have a formal clinical ladder (e.g., Nurse I, II, III, IV) that provides annual raises for pursuing education, certifications, and unit-based projects.
2. Charge Nurse: A common first step into leadership, with a pay bump of $2 - $4/hour.
3. Nurse Practitioner/APRN: This requires a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University offer excellent programs, some with online components. The salary jump is significant; median for NPs in KY is $115,000+.
4. Education/Management: Moving into a unit educator or nurse manager role.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 6% Growth):
The job market is expected to grow steadily. The aging population in the region will increase demand for all nursing services, particularly in home health, hospice, and geriatrics. The expansion of specialty services at UK HealthCare and Baptist Health will create more niche roles. The key to long-term growth will be specialization and potentially pursuing an advanced degree. The cost of living is likely to rise as the Lexington metro area grows, but it will likely remain more affordable than national averages.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: The $84,288 median salary goes very far with the $837 average rent and Cost of Living Index of 93.1.	Limited "Wow" Factor: It's a solid, practical city, not a cultural or culinary hotspot. You'll be driving to Lexington for major concerts or diverse dining.
Strong Job Market: 343 jobs and 6% growth mean stability and options. Easy commute to multiple major hospitals.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is minimal. You will need—and use—your car daily.
Community Feel: Georgetown has a distinct small-town charm, especially in its historic downtown, unlike the sprawling suburbs of larger cities.	Lower Ceiling for Specialists: While you can get good pay, the most cutting-edge, highly specialized roles are often at UK in Lexington.
Strategic Location: Perfect for day trips. Louisville is an hour north, Cincinnati is 1.5 hours north, Nashville is 2.5 hours south, and the Appalachian foothills are 1.5 hours east.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasionally icy winters. A long winter can feel dreary.
Home Ownership is Realistic: The math works. A dual-income household (e.g., two nurses) could buy a nice home within 2-3 years.	Limited Diversity: Like much of rural Kentucky, the population is predominantly white.

Final Recommendation:
Georgetown, KY, is an excellent choice for pragmatic, financially-minded RNs. If you prioritize a low cost of living, a stable job market with a clear career path, and the ability to buy a home without crushing debt, this is a top-tier option. It's particularly ideal for:

• New Grads looking to start without massive student debt pressure.
• Mid-Career Nurses seeking a change from high-cost coastal cities.
• Nurses with families who value community, good schools, and affordability.

If you're an RN seeking the highest level of academic medicine, cutting-edge research, or a vibrant, diverse urban lifestyle, you might find Georgetown too small. But for the vast majority of nurses seeking balance, stability, and a high quality of life, Georgetown is a hidden gem in the Bluegrass.

FAQs

Q: Is the median salary of $84,288 for an RN in Georgetown realistic for a new graduate?
A: Not quite. New graduates typically start in the $68,000 - $76,000 range. The $84,288 median is more representative of a nurse with 3-8 years of experience. However, with shift differentials and overtime, a motivated new grad can approach that median within a couple of years.

Q: What's the best way to find a job in Georgetown or Lexington?
A: Start with the career pages of the major employers listed above (Baptist Health, St. Joseph, UK HealthCare). Indeed and LinkedIn are also heavily used. Consider contacting a local healthcare staffing agency like Aya Healthcare or Cross Country Nurses, which have contracts with all the major hospitals in the Lexington metro area.

Q: Do I need a car to live and work in Georgetown?
A: Yes, unequivocally. Public transportation is extremely limited. Most apartments come with a parking space, and parking at hospitals is generally free or a modest monthly fee for employees. Your budget must account for car payments, insurance, and gas