Salaries in Kentucky

Compare average salaries across 1 major metro areas in Kentucky. Find the highest paying cities and explore salary data for 80+ occupations.

State Average

$75,694

across all occupations

Highest Paying City

$75,694

Louisville

Minimum Wage

$7.25/hr

Federal minimum

Income Tax

4%

Flat rate

Working in Kentucky: Salary Context

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25/hour (following the federal minimum). The average salary in Kentucky is 5.0x the minimum wage.

Major Industries

Kentucky's economy is driven by Automotive Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics, with additional strength in Agriculture, Bourbon & Distilling, Coal Mining.

Tax Considerations

Kentucky has relatively low income taxes (max 4%), which can boost your take-home pay compared to high-tax states.

Metro Areas in Kentucky

#1 in KY

Louisville, KY

$75,694

avg salary

Top Paying Job: Physician$221,687

Cost of Living: 90.8(100 = national avg)

View all 80 occupations

Compare With Neighboring States

See how salaries in Kentucky compare to nearby states. Geographic proximity often means similar job markets and cost of living.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Salaries

What is the average salary in Kentucky?

The average salary across all occupations and metro areas in Kentucky is approximately $75,694 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by occupation, city, and experience level. Louisville, KY has the highest average salaries ($75,694) while Louisville, KY has lower average salaries ($75,694).

What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?

The minimum wage in Kentucky is $7.25 per hour, following the federal minimum wage. At full-time hours, this equals approximately $15,080 per year before taxes.

Does Kentucky have state income tax?

Yes, Kentucky has state income tax with rates of 4% flat rate. This should be factored into salary comparisons with states that have no income tax.

What industries are biggest in Kentucky?

Kentucky's major industries include Automotive Manufacturing, Healthcare, Logistics, Agriculture, Bourbon & Distilling, Coal Mining. These industries drive employment and salary levels across the state's 1 metro areas. Workers in these sectors may find more job opportunities and higher salaries.