Kentucky salaries by occupation
The median worker in Kentucky earned $45,740 a year in 2024, about $21.99 an hour, 7.6% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 605 occupations.
Median pay $45,740 $21.99 per hour
Vs national median -7.6% U.S. $49,500
Workers 1,993,680 wage and salary
Occupations reported 605 with at least 100 employed
What Kentucky is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 7.62× | 860 | $59,700 |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | 6.08× | 3,020 | $46,830 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 5.69× | 1,640 | $48,610 |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 5.11× | 2,400 | $57,590 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | 4.54× | 1,530 | $55,920 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 3.54× | 5,950 | $49,570 |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | 3.26× | 1,490 | $81,820 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | 3× | 890 | $44,850 |
| Tool and Die Makers | 2.95× | 2,100 | $64,620 |
| Continuous Mining Machine Operators | 2.94× | 550 | $56,100 |
Metro areas in Kentucky
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 9 Kentucky metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | $48,490 | $23.31 | 1,092,300 | #119 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $47,750 | $22.96 | 686,050 | #151 |
| Lexington-Fayette | $47,580 | $22.88 | 282,920 | #161 |
| Elizabethtown | $44,810 | $21.54 | 51,330 | #270 |
| Paducah | $44,140 | $21.22 | 50,590 | #293 |
| Bowling Green | $43,640 | $20.98 | 80,400 | #303 |
| Clarksville | $42,990 | $20.67 | 100,910 | #316 |
| Owensboro | $42,740 | $20.55 | 48,520 | #317 |
| Huntington-Ashland | $42,390 | $20.38 | 140,160 | #321 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatricians, General | $237,740 | $114.30 | 260 | #2 of 37 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $231,240 | $111.17 | 510 | #3 of 15 |
| Psychiatrists | $229,630 | $110.40 | 200 | #1 of 10 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $212,430 | $102.13 | 1,050 | #17 of 25 |
| Chief Executives | $146,630 | $70.49 | 2,950 | #28 of 33 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $138,620 | $66.65 | 420 | #19 of 31 |
| Dentists, General | $135,550 | $65.17 | 910 | #42 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $134,880 | $64.85 | 1,420 | #46 of 49 |
| Pharmacists | $132,750 | $63.82 | 5,310 | #44 of 51 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $132,700 | $63.80 | 2,870 | #44 of 49 |
| Optometrists | $132,000 | $63.46 | 500 | #22 of 47 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $131,780 | $63.36 | 400 | #25 of 46 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | 58,570 | $77,150 | $37.09 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 58,120 | $41,770 | $20.08 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 49,470 | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 49,390 | $44,670 | $21.48 |
| Registered Nurses | 48,170 | $79,910 | $38.42 |
| Retail Salespersons | 47,680 | $29,450 | $14.16 |
| Cashiers | 44,220 | $26,970 | $12.97 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 43,970 | $37,580 | $18.07 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 41,890 | $27,170 | $13.06 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 33,430 | $55,590 | $26.73 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Kentucky
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 74
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $102,180
- Power Plant Operators $87,330
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $80,050
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $77,690
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $75,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $69,870
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $66,630
- Tool and Die Makers $64,620
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $63,380
- Gas Plant Operators $62,920
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $60,270
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $59,760
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $59,700
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $58,560
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $58,470
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $57,590
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $55,400
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $53,650
- Machinists $53,630
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $52,710
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $52,200
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $51,360
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,700
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $50,100
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,570
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,260
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,890
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,610
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,170
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $47,790
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $47,730
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $47,700
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,170
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,940
- Food Batchmakers $46,900
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $46,830
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,210
- Printing Press Operators $45,530
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $45,470
- Tire Builders $45,150
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,000
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $44,850
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $44,700
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $44,670
- Upholsterers $43,670
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $43,190
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,090
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $42,970
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $42,270
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $41,760
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,450
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $41,080
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $40,710
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,710
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $40,280
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $40,140
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $39,770
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $39,200
- Furniture Finishers $39,110
- Helpers--Production Workers $39,060
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,800
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $38,230
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $38,190
- Production Workers, All Other $37,910
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $37,400
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $37,050
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $35,750
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $35,500
- Bakers $34,040
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $32,250
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $31,360
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $30,490
- Sewing Machine Operators $29,040
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $28,670
Education and library 51
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $128,380
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $107,810
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $103,030
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $84,680
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $82,520
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,960
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,780
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $79,330
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $79,070
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $78,630
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $77,120
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $74,850
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $73,320
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $72,380
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $70,150
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $67,110
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $65,440
- Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $65,360
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $64,580
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $63,800
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $63,540
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $63,460
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $63,240
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $63,190
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $62,640
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $62,510
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $62,450
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $61,900
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $61,320
- Instructional Coordinators $61,070
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $60,420
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $60,210
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $58,850
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $58,400
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $57,980
- Farm and Home Management Educators $57,920
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $57,820
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $57,090
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $54,430
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $54,230
- Curators $50,940
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $48,630
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $47,680
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $44,470
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $39,580
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $36,840
- Tutors $35,930
- Library Technicians $30,750
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $29,980
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $29,220
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $29,100
Office and administrative support 46
- Postal Service Clerks $62,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $61,130
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $58,990
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,140
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,330
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $54,560
- Brokerage Clerks $51,140
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $50,190
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $49,000
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $48,550
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $48,530
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $48,530
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $47,560
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $47,490
- Procurement Clerks $47,220
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $47,040
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $45,260
- Cargo and Freight Agents $45,100
- Bill and Account Collectors $44,890
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $44,780
- Meter Readers, Utilities $44,220
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $42,150
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $41,600
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $41,070
- Billing and Posting Clerks $40,400
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $40,000
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $39,840
- Order Clerks $39,660
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $39,490
- New Accounts Clerks $39,390
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $39,260
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $38,330
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $38,010
- Customer Service Representatives $37,580
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $36,500
- Tellers $36,410
- Data Entry Keyers $36,400
- Couriers and Messengers $36,350
- Office Clerks, General $36,010
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $35,590
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $34,840
- File Clerks $33,530
- Gambling Cage Workers $32,880
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $31,230
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $27,930
- Library Assistants, Clerical $25,530
Healthcare practitioners 44
- Pediatricians, General $237,740
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $231,240
- Psychiatrists $229,630
- Nurse Anesthetists $212,430
- Dentists, General $135,550
- Pharmacists $132,750
- Optometrists $132,000
- Nurse Practitioners $113,870
- Physician Assistants $110,300
- Therapists, All Other $99,060
- Veterinarians $98,210
- Radiation Therapists $97,940
- Physical Therapists $97,500
- Occupational Therapists $91,250
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $89,860
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $87,990
- Speech-Language Pathologists $82,910
- Surgical Assistants $81,710
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $80,920
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $80,320
- Registered Nurses $79,910
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $78,610
- Dental Hygienists $77,440
- Chiropractors $76,180
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $66,250
- Respiratory Therapists $65,670
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $64,840
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $62,630
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $59,900
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $58,660
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $58,450
- Recreational Therapists $54,030
- Surgical Technologists $52,240
- Athletic Trainers $51,550
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $49,900
- Medical Records Specialists $48,020
- Paramedics $47,650
- Opticians, Dispensing $44,530
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $38,740
- Psychiatric Technicians $37,850
- Pharmacy Technicians $37,630
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $37,180
- Emergency Medical Technicians $36,050
- Dietetic Technicians $27,910
Construction and extraction 37
- Boilermakers $73,340
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $73,020
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $68,540
- Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining $67,510
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $66,320
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $65,210
- Construction and Building Inspectors $63,770
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $62,370
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $62,160
- Electricians $59,490
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $57,060
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $56,100
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $55,430
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $54,200
- Carpenters $50,860
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $49,820
- Glaziers $49,580
- Sheet Metal Workers $49,100
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $47,990
- Roofers $47,620
- Fence Erectors $47,310
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $47,060
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $46,950
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $46,800
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $46,480
- Tile and Stone Setters $46,120
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $45,650
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $45,630
- Construction Laborers $45,340
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $45,340
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $44,500
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $43,500
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $42,000
- Helpers--Electricians $37,930
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $37,440
- Highway Maintenance Workers $36,900
- Carpet Installers $34,250
Installation, maintenance and repair 36
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $90,730
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $76,050
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $73,070
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $72,320
- Millwrights $65,520
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $64,060
- Medical Equipment Repairers $62,740
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $62,420
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $62,310
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $61,720
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $61,410
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $60,180
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $59,240
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $58,880
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $57,460
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $57,430
- Rail Car Repairers $57,180
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $56,030
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $55,780
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $53,030
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,040
- Home Appliance Repairers $48,570
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $48,410
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $47,650
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $47,550
- Motorcycle Mechanics $47,430
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $47,160
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $46,110
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $45,250
- Mechanical Door Repairers $45,220
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $44,850
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $41,970
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $41,660
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $39,940
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $36,970
- Tire Repairers and Changers $35,050
Management 34
- Chief Executives $146,630
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $134,880
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $132,700
- Natural Sciences Managers $131,780
- Financial Managers $125,490
- Marketing Managers $123,480
- Managers, All Other $123,010
- Sales Managers $120,500
- Purchasing Managers $113,910
- Human Resources Managers $113,740
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $108,100
- Fundraising Managers $106,810
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $105,660
- Industrial Production Managers $105,230
- Training and Development Managers $104,500
- Public Relations Managers $102,690
- Administrative Services Managers $102,340
- Medical and Health Services Managers $100,260
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $100,110
- Construction Managers $99,620
- Facilities Managers $96,410
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $94,870
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $93,850
- Education Administrators, All Other $93,180
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $81,890
- Emergency Management Directors $77,230
- General and Operations Managers $77,150
- Social and Community Service Managers $73,990
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $68,720
- Food Service Managers $60,340
- Funeral Home Managers $50,840
- Lodging Managers $49,480
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $49,060
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $38,860
Transport and material moving 32
- Air Traffic Controllers $126,550
- Ship Engineers $101,700
- Commercial Pilots $101,290
- Transportation Inspectors $82,460
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $81,820
- Locomotive Engineers $79,690
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $66,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $60,000
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $56,090
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $55,920
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $55,590
- Crane and Tower Operators $55,100
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $51,570
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $50,360
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $43,340
- Light Truck Drivers $42,710
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $41,770
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $41,730
- Bus Drivers, School $40,610
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $39,420
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $39,380
- Aircraft Service Attendants $37,960
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $36,930
- Wellhead Pumpers $36,860
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,760
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,150
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $34,980
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $32,080
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $31,950
- Driver/Sales Workers $31,620
- Parking Attendants $30,860
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $30,650
Life, physical and social science 30
- Psychologists, All Other $124,550
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $116,480
- Physical Scientists, All Other $80,870
- Chemists $79,800
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $78,020
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $76,400
- Biological Scientists, All Other $74,960
- Life Scientists, All Other $73,470
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $73,220
- Urban and Regional Planners $72,550
- Food Scientists and Technologists $72,300
- Epidemiologists $70,140
- School Psychologists $69,130
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $68,990
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $68,990
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $67,360
- Economists $65,470
- Conservation Scientists $63,960
- Soil and Plant Scientists $63,700
- Social Science Research Assistants $62,800
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $60,410
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $60,340
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $56,700
- Chemical Technicians $55,010
- Foresters $54,580
- Food Science Technicians $52,410
- Agricultural Technicians $48,780
- Biological Technicians $42,890
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $40,910
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $38,940
Business and financial 29
- Management Analysts $85,290
- Insurance Underwriters $81,760
- Project Management Specialists $81,060
- Financial Risk Specialists $80,610
- Personal Financial Advisors $79,100
- Financial Examiners $77,140
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $75,800
- Credit Analysts $75,320
- Financial and Investment Analysts $75,260
- Budget Analysts $74,160
- Accountants and Auditors $72,220
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $71,770
- Logisticians $69,630
- Cost Estimators $69,490
- Loan Officers $68,600
- Compliance Officers $67,490
- Human Resources Specialists $64,950
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $62,710
- Financial Specialists, All Other $62,500
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $62,220
- Labor Relations Specialists $61,800
- Fundraisers $60,680
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $59,420
- Training and Development Specialists $58,650
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $54,540
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $48,410
- Credit Counselors $47,680
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $46,910
- Tax Preparers $35,830
Architecture and engineering 27
- Aerospace Engineers $117,660
- Chemical Engineers $112,390
- Materials Engineers $105,090
- Environmental Engineers $104,770
- Civil Engineers $100,200
- Mechanical Engineers $99,410
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $98,200
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $97,020
- Industrial Engineers $95,780
- Electrical Engineers $95,640
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $93,230
- Engineers, All Other $89,650
- Landscape Architects $77,160
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $72,610
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $67,780
- Surveyors $67,060
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $66,960
- Mechanical Drafters $65,110
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $64,360
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $64,180
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $63,430
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $58,860
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $54,260
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $54,090
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $53,450
- Drafters, All Other $51,520
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $45,880
Arts, design, entertainment and media 21
- Technical Writers $70,970
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $70,470
- Art Directors $68,420
- Public Relations Specialists $58,150
- Editors $57,410
- Interpreters and Translators $53,820
- Producers and Directors $50,610
- Graphic Designers $50,330
- Interior Designers $50,220
- Film and Video Editors $46,580
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $46,110
- Writers and Authors $43,450
- Broadcast Technicians $42,250
- Photographers $42,000
- Audio and Video Technicians $41,590
- Coaches and Scouts $36,390
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $36,040
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,920
- Floral Designers $29,840
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $29,420
- Actors not reported
Protective service 20
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $80,080
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $77,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $72,900
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $62,700
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $60,230
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $50,950
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $50,800
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $50,340
- Private Detectives and Investigators $48,130
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $40,910
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $40,230
- Firefighters $37,140
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $36,920
- Animal Control Workers $36,000
- Security Guards $35,520
- Bailiffs $33,900
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $33,870
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $30,890
- School Bus Monitors $27,780
Personal care and service 19
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $60,950
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $45,640
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $44,120
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $42,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $41,300
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $40,920
- Tour and Travel Guides $36,240
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $35,150
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $32,170
- Recreation Workers $31,100
- Animal Trainers $29,520
- Concierges $29,490
- Animal Caretakers $29,370
- Residential Advisors $28,800
- Childcare Workers $28,570
- Funeral Attendants $28,150
- Skincare Specialists $26,360
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $26,060
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $23,900
Sales 19
- Sales Engineers $95,000
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $82,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $73,260
- Real Estate Brokers $64,210
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $62,980
- Insurance Sales Agents $59,590
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $57,850
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $54,990
- Travel Agents $47,850
- Advertising Sales Agents $46,280
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $45,940
- Real Estate Sales Agents $39,270
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $38,530
- Counter and Rental Clerks $37,620
- Parts Salespersons $35,310
- Telemarketers $33,760
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $30,490
- Retail Salespersons $29,450
- Cashiers $26,970
Computing and mathematics 17
- Actuaries $120,580
- Computer Network Architects $106,990
- Software Developers $106,200
- Computer Programmers $104,840
- Database Architects $102,560
- Information Security Analysts $98,210
- Data Scientists $93,490
- Computer Occupations, All Other $90,380
- Database Administrators $83,980
- Operations Research Analysts $81,760
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $81,520
- Computer Systems Analysts $81,270
- Web Developers $80,960
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $79,390
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $66,190
- Computer Network Support Specialists $61,040
- Computer User Support Specialists $51,630
Healthcare support 16
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $65,980
- Physical Therapist Assistants $62,400
- Massage Therapists $54,890
- Dental Assistants $46,520
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $44,120
- Medical Equipment Preparers $42,870
- Medical Assistants $38,750
- Phlebotomists $38,000
- Psychiatric Aides $37,700
- Medical Transcriptionists $37,600
- Nursing Assistants $37,330
- Orderlies $36,400
- Pharmacy Aides $35,140
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $34,810
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $32,590
- Physical Therapist Aides $28,770
Community and social service 15
- Social Workers, All Other $73,200
- Healthcare Social Workers $64,840
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $64,390
- Health Education Specialists $64,160
- Marriage and Family Therapists $60,190
- Clergy $58,610
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $57,390
- Rehabilitation Counselors $56,150
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $55,910
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $51,790
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $49,320
- Community Health Workers $48,960
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $45,450
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $39,380
- Social and Human Service Assistants $36,560
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $44,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $35,060
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,080
- Cooks, Restaurant $30,960
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,770
- Cooks, Short Order $29,120
- Bartenders $28,590
- Dishwashers $28,140
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $27,450
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,170
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $26,000
- Food Preparation Workers $24,520
- Cooks, Fast Food $23,420
- Waiters and Waitresses $22,260
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $50,360
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $43,770
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $41,890
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $40,660
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $39,830
- Pest Control Workers $38,250
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $38,240
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $35,750
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $30,470
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $29,470
Farming, fishing and forestry 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $49,610
- Agricultural Inspectors $49,000
- Logging Equipment Operators $48,880
- Log Graders and Scalers $47,160
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $44,700
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $35,090
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $33,850
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $31,400
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Kentucky?
The median across all occupations is $45,740 a year, or $21.99 an hour, covering 1,993,680 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Kentucky?
Pediatricians, General ($237,740), General Internal Medicine Physicians ($231,240), Psychiatrists ($229,630) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Kentucky employ the most people in?
General and Operations Managers, with 58,570 employed at a median of $77,150. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Kentucky electricity averages 14.98¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.