Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in Kentucky, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 80 largest places in Kentucky, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville | 631,818 | $66,849 | $1,120 | 5.5% | 33.8% |
| 2 | Lexington | 323,725 | $69,479 | $1,164 | 4.8% | 48.3% |
| 3 | Bowling Green | 75,388 | $48,873 | $998 | 4.9% | 31.2% |
| 4 | Owensboro | 60,302 | $56,357 | $905 | 5.3% | 26.1% |
| 5 | Covington | 41,110 | $61,166 | $1,006 | 5.7% | 32.2% |
| 6 | Georgetown | 39,117 | $80,088 | $1,255 | 4.2% | 34.1% |
| 7 | Richmond | 37,111 | $50,870 | $917 | 6.7% | 34.9% |
| 8 | Florence | 32,803 | $71,003 | $1,329 | 3.1% | 26.4% |
| 9 | Elizabethtown | 32,576 | $60,760 | $909 | 5.2% | 28.2% |
| 10 | Nicholasville | 32,197 | $68,503 | $1,147 | 3.6% | 26.9% |
| 11 | Hopkinsville | 30,906 | $49,139 | $902 | 6.2% | 23.3% |
| 12 | Independence | 29,392 | $102,361 | $1,250 | 4.3% | 36.4% |
| 13 | Jeffersontown | 29,199 | $81,506 | $1,320 | 2.8% | 39.8% |
| 14 | Frankfort | 28,503 | $53,073 | $944 | 7.8% | 28.4% |
| 15 | Henderson | 27,852 | $48,186 | $771 | 2.4% | 19.4% |
| 16 | Paducah | 26,845 | $49,915 | $834 | 4.0% | 28.8% |
| 17 | Radcliff | 22,864 | $58,559 | $971 | 9.3% | 18.3% |
| 18 | Ashland | 21,295 | $52,715 | $872 | 7.7% | 24.8% |
| 19 | Erlanger | 19,875 | $75,840 | $970 | 4.3% | 32.0% |
| 20 | Madisonville | 19,515 | $53,860 | $838 | 6.9% | 23.6% |
| 21 | Winchester | 19,213 | $54,378 | $916 | 3.6% | 22.4% |
| 22 | Mount Washington | 18,480 | $96,239 | $1,008 | 4.6% | 26.1% |
| 23 | Murray | 18,080 | $44,091 | $870 | 5.8% | 36.1% |
| 24 | Burlington | 18,008 | $109,308 | $1,489 | 2.5% | 31.8% |
| 25 | Shelbyville | 17,668 | $75,610 | $1,033 | 3.5% | 26.7% |
| 26 | St. Matthews | 17,577 | $82,412 | $1,369 | 3.8% | 58.7% |
| 27 | Danville | 17,327 | $52,646 | $762 | 6.6% | 26.5% |
| 28 | Fort Thomas | 17,169 | $104,350 | $1,126 | 3.5% | 55.3% |
| 29 | Berea | 15,786 | $59,495 | $835 | 4.2% | 27.2% |
| 30 | Shively | 15,638 | $50,221 | $899 | 6.9% | 13.9% |
| 31 | Glasgow | 15,197 | $43,074 | $849 | 4.3% | 22.4% |
| 32 | Shepherdsville | 14,533 | $71,476 | $943 | 4.2% | 16.8% |
| 33 | Newport | 13,967 | $60,853 | $1,087 | 7.2% | 36.3% |
| 34 | Bardstown | 13,804 | $51,381 | $977 | 4.0% | 26.7% |
| 35 | Somerset | 12,216 | $34,704 | $775 | 8.7% | 19.9% |
| 36 | Lawrenceburg | 11,943 | $66,486 | $954 | 1.8% | 21.8% |
| 37 | Campbellsville | 11,622 | $49,644 | $685 | 7.4% | 24.6% |
| 38 | Fort Campbell North | 11,356 | $58,933 | $1,529 | 17.4% | 16.9% |
| 39 | Lyndon | 11,030 | $65,679 | $1,246 | 4.6% | 43.8% |
| 40 | Francisville | 10,565 | $159,371 | $1,420 | 1.2% | 56.4% |
| 41 | Alexandria | 10,562 | $102,239 | $1,195 | 3.2% | 35.3% |
| 42 | Versailles | 10,492 | $62,368 | $1,160 | 3.0% | 36.7% |
| 43 | Franklin | 10,360 | $59,052 | $1,010 | 6.2% | 15.5% |
| 44 | La Grange | 10,311 | $88,464 | $1,143 | 4.2% | 38.4% |
| 45 | Oakbrook | 10,211 | $94,652 | $1,665 | 1.6% | 35.6% |
| 46 | Paris | 10,160 | $55,839 | $832 | 3.6% | 25.0% |
| 47 | Mayfield | 9,868 | $40,965 | $644 | 3.4% | 19.3% |
| 48 | Middletown | 9,763 | $82,537 | $1,502 | 4.7% | 53.2% |
| 49 | Harrodsburg | 9,313 | $48,381 | $790 | 6.0% | 21.0% |
| 50 | Elsmere | 9,205 | $60,503 | $1,351 | 5.1% | 24.3% |
| 51 | Middlesborough | 9,123 | $31,106 | $598 | 8.5% | 18.9% |
| 52 | Fort Knox | 8,836 | $82,663 | $1,502 | 15.1% | 48.3% |
| 53 | Hillview | 8,797 | $68,111 | $1,316 | 3.8% | 18.6% |
| 54 | Maysville | 8,737 | $39,013 | $699 | 4.5% | 19.9% |
| 55 | Fort Mitchell | 8,713 | $86,310 | $1,039 | 2.4% | 47.5% |
| 56 | Edgewood | 8,447 | $119,028 | $1,073 | 2.4% | 54.9% |
| 57 | Corbin | 8,246 | $51,065 | $733 | 7.2% | 25.5% |
| 58 | Oak Grove | 7,962 | $49,354 | $1,197 | 9.5% | 11.0% |
| 59 | Union | 7,642 | $136,712 | $1,657 | 1.5% | 58.9% |
| 60 | London | 7,561 | $47,591 | $815 | 3.5% | 18.0% |
| 61 | Mount Sterling | 7,551 | $55,827 | $699 | 3.7% | 23.6% |
| 62 | Pikeville | 7,490 | $39,955 | $862 | 3.2% | 40.4% |
| 63 | Villa Hills | 7,480 | $107,859 | $1,412 | 3.6% | 51.4% |
| 64 | Russellville | 7,316 | $45,484 | $738 | 6.4% | 14.2% |
| 65 | Flatwoods | 7,269 | $59,972 | $940 | 6.4% | 15.8% |
| 66 | Taylor Mill | 6,937 | $88,546 | $1,139 | 2.1% | 38.3% |
| 67 | Morehead | 6,870 | $36,741 | $800 | 5.5% | 29.9% |
| 68 | Vine Grove | 6,830 | $72,560 | $1,334 | 3.5% | 26.2% |
| 69 | Leitchfield | 6,819 | $44,347 | $621 | 10.2% | 12.4% |
| 70 | Cynthiana | 6,458 | $54,647 | $770 | 1.3% | 15.4% |
| 71 | Highland Heights | 6,444 | $53,275 | $1,144 | 3.0% | 40.7% |
| 72 | Lebanon | 6,430 | $45,479 | $701 | 3.7% | 11.7% |
| 73 | Hebron | 6,407 | $106,719 | $1,491 | 3.2% | 30.0% |
| 74 | Crestwood | 6,356 | $108,046 | $1,188 | 2.8% | 47.1% |
| 75 | Cold Spring | 6,341 | $75,000 | $1,191 | 2.0% | 42.6% |
| 76 | Princeton | 6,241 | $47,411 | $762 | 4.5% | 16.7% |
| 77 | Wilmore | 6,057 | $77,665 | $975 | 2.5% | 49.6% |
| 78 | Fort Wright | 5,887 | $105,024 | $1,142 | 3.4% | 45.3% |
| 79 | Monticello | 5,753 | $44,952 | $779 | 2.0% | 13.3% |
| 80 | Dayton | 5,743 | $65,992 | $1,137 | 5.0% | 22.9% |
Kentucky is in the South region (East South Central division), with 4,534,824 residents, a median age of 39.1 and a median household income of $63,726. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 90.2 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $63,726 | 47 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 42 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 4.3% | 14 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 90.2 | 12 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.6% | 47 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 4.7% | 42 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 287 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities80 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the East South Central division: Alabama · Mississippi · Tennessee.
Kentucky is in the South region (East South Central division) and has 4,534,824 residents (the 26th largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 39.1. Its economy produced about $321,442 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 29th among states and DC, equal to $70,883 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 4.7% in 2026M09, which is 42nd lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 4.3% of employment, 14th highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $46,920 a year ($22.56 an hour), 8% below the national median ($46,920 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in Kentucky are Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (57,930 jobs, median $42,770); General and Operations Managers (52,100 jobs, median $79,370); Retail Salespersons (51,250 jobs, median $29,650); Registered Nurses (50,300 jobs, median $81,040); Stockers and Order Fillers (47,730 jobs, median $36,810). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers (median $350,950); Physicians, All Other (median $327,390); Chief Executives (median $179,530). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in production (1.6 times the national share of workers) and transportation and material moving (1.3 times the national share of workers).
Prices are below the national average in Kentucky: the regional price parity is 90.2 against 100 for the whole country (12th lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $967 a month and the median household income $63,726, so a year of rent equals 18.2% of income; the median home value is $205,600. The state minimum wage is $7.25 (the higher of state and federal rates applies to most workers). State income tax on wages: Flat 3.50%. It is a right-to-work state, meaning workers cannot be required to pay union dues as a condition of employment. It has no state paid family and medical leave programme in our source.
4.7% of residents were born abroad and 27.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 76.6% drive alone, 0.6% use public transit and 10.2% work from home; 12.5% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | 49,924 | 15.5% |
| Government and government enterprises | 38,462 | 12.0% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 36,048 | 11.2% |
| Health care and social assistance | 29,182 | 9.1% |
| Wholesale trade | 26,603 | 8.3% |
| Finance and insurance | 25,491 | 7.9% |
| Retail trade | 20,200 | 6.3% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 16,100 | 5.0% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 13,959 | 4.3% |
| Construction | 12,738 | 4.0% |
| Accommodation and food services | 10,799 | 3.4% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 9,558 | 3.0% |
| Information | 7,210 | 2.2% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 6,767 | 2.1% |
| Utilities | 5,342 | 1.7% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 3,588 | 1.1% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 3,232 | 1.0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 2,660 | 0.8% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 1,791 | 0.6% |
| Educational services | 1,789 | 0.6% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 7,100 | +1.4% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 95,600 | +0.1% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 249,200 | -0.6% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 423,200 | +0.0% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 19,700 | -1.5% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 95,200 | -0.4% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 222,400 | -1.7% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 323,700 | +1.6% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 212,500 | +2.3% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 74,600 | +1.6% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 318,500 | -0.7% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 2,041,700 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 251,890 | 125.9 | 1.10 | $43,580 | $29,640 | $66,240 | -8% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 175,720 | 87.8 | 1.00 | $28,620 | $20,610 | $45,120 | -18% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 225,530 | 112.7 | 1.28 | $44,450 | $30,000 | $74,670 | +0% |
| Sales and Related | 170,640 | 85.3 | 0.99 | $34,590 | $22,990 | $79,580 | -10% |
| Management | 121,940 | 61.0 | 0.85 | $99,250 | $47,440 | $194,990 | -22% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 92,450 | 46.2 | 0.68 | $71,410 | $44,800 | $119,990 | -14% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 141,040 | 70.5 | 1.12 | $78,530 | $40,070 | $153,370 | -9% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 108,650 | 54.3 | 0.93 | $52,700 | $29,030 | $83,090 | -13% |
| Production | 180,330 | 90.1 | 1.64 | $47,760 | $33,280 | $76,440 | +2% |
| Healthcare Support | 85,150 | 42.6 | 0.84 | $38,680 | $29,280 | $54,140 | +1% |
| Construction and Extraction | 76,790 | 38.4 | 0.93 | $53,150 | $36,890 | $83,440 | -11% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 94,130 | 47.1 | 1.20 | $57,580 | $35,100 | $89,870 | -3% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 39,210 | 19.6 | 0.58 | $84,590 | $46,810 | $155,480 | -23% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 53,490 | 26.7 | 0.91 | $34,940 | $26,390 | $48,930 | -7% |
| Protective Service | 44,000 | 22.0 | 0.91 | $42,310 | $28,930 | $75,610 | -16% |
| Personal Care and Service | 32,360 | 16.2 | 0.77 | $31,200 | $22,030 | $51,050 | -14% |
| Community and Social Service | 34,550 | 17.3 | 1.01 | $54,500 | $35,270 | $82,410 | -7% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 27,580 | 13.8 | 0.82 | $84,700 | $50,780 | $132,800 | -15% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 17,920 | 9.0 | 0.68 | $48,110 | $28,080 | $88,410 | -23% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 13,790 | 6.9 | 0.73 | $72,140 | $45,340 | $124,650 | -13% |
| Legal | 10,580 | 5.3 | 0.63 | $78,470 | $47,030 | $165,080 | -23% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 2,620 | 1.3 | 0.47 | $39,330 | $27,730 | $63,270 | +7% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 24.3% |
| Manufacturing | 14.3% |
| Retail trade | 11.6% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 9.0% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 7.9% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 7.0% |
| Construction | 6.3% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 5.6% |
| Other services | 4.6% |
| Public administration | 4.3% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.0% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 1.8% |
| Information | 1.2% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 57,930 | 1.53 | $42,770 | $30,890 | $49,750 | +6% |
| General and Operations Managers | 52,100 | 1.16 | $79,370 | $40,500 | $176,820 | -25% |
| Retail Salespersons | 51,250 | 1.02 | $29,650 | $22,400 | $43,850 | -16% |
| Registered Nurses | 50,300 | 1.16 | $81,040 | $64,170 | $111,750 | -17% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 47,730 | 1.31 | $36,810 | $29,500 | $60,330 | -1% |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 47,320 | 2.62 | $47,950 | $33,560 | $66,320 | +7% |
| Cashiers | 44,550 | 1.12 | $28,590 | $21,720 | $35,550 | -13% |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 41,860 | 0.84 | $27,130 | $21,590 | $34,420 | -13% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 38,630 | 1.16 | $38,700 | $29,440 | $59,810 | -14% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 31,760 | 1.20 | $56,340 | $38,670 | $85,630 | -4% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 31,260 | 0.56 | $36,440 | $28,110 | $49,080 | +2% |
| Office Clerks, General | 29,750 | 0.94 | $37,870 | $22,640 | $56,750 | -16% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 27,150 | 0.93 | $29,660 | $16,520 | $62,030 | -16% |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 26,430 | 2.14 | $38,750 | $30,700 | $49,770 | -16% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 25,750 | 0.91 | $32,320 | $26,110 | $46,730 | -12% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 23,480 | 1.33 | $46,550 | $30,090 | $66,930 | -8% |
| Nursing Assistants | 23,410 | 1.26 | $38,370 | $30,390 | $46,450 | -9% |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 22,190 | 1.13 | $46,810 | $30,470 | $75,740 | -6% |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 21,750 | 2.64 | $23,500 | $21,220 | $30,000 | -24% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 19,670 | 1.06 | $63,180 | $41,350 | $99,330 | -9% |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 19,080 | 1.07 | $60,610 | $45,600 | $79,740 | -5% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 18,420 | 0.84 | $44,200 | $30,470 | $60,470 | -7% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | 18,290 | 1.27 | $40,080 | $28,360 | $69,930 | -17% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | 18,010 | 1.14 | $35,810 | $28,190 | $58,980 | -19% |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | 16,330 | 0.89 | $30,160 | $23,980 | $46,370 | -18% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 6,260 | 4.70 | $350,950 | $182,780 | $407,760 | +51% |
| Anesthesiologists | 1,090 | 2.18 | $347,960 | $107,110 | $491,640 | -11% |
| Physicians, All Other | 3,340 | 0.76 | $327,390 | $120,640 | $549,810 | +23% |
| Family Medicine Physicians | 1,170 | 0.84 | $248,730 | $108,750 | $487,240 | +2% |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | 1,060 | 1.22 | $241,530 | $73,510 | $456,710 | -6% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 1,640 | 2.46 | $222,520 | $189,630 | $289,230 | -6% |
| Chief Executives | 2,070 | 0.79 | $179,530 | $72,800 | $466,660 | -16% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 1,800 | 0.63 | $147,680 | $114,220 | $201,730 | -14% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 3,130 | 0.36 | $140,360 | $85,770 | $217,000 | -20% |
| Pharmacists | 5,030 | 1.21 | $136,530 | $84,280 | $168,940 | -3% |
| Financial Managers | 6,630 | 0.61 | $130,650 | $82,110 | $223,290 | -22% |
| Marketing Managers | 1,930 | 0.38 | $128,930 | $77,340 | $204,550 | -23% |
| Sales Managers | 6,650 | 0.81 | $128,650 | $67,690 | $236,990 | -13% |
| Managers, All Other | 2,390 | 0.30 | $122,930 | $57,540 | $198,950 | -13% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 4,770 | 1.15 | $122,870 | $95,710 | $162,960 | -7% |
| Human Resources Managers | 1,960 | 0.69 | $121,460 | $76,520 | $194,280 | -19% |
| Physician Assistants | 1,360 | 0.65 | $120,760 | $79,550 | $161,820 | -11% |
| Industrial Production Managers | 6,430 | 2.03 | $112,250 | $73,530 | $187,950 | -11% |
| Software Developers | 7,660 | 0.35 | $109,010 | $76,310 | $168,110 | -20% |
| Veterinarians | 1,190 | 1.10 | $104,100 | $44,200 | $169,220 | -20% |
| Computer Network Architects | 1,710 | 0.74 | $103,740 | $62,850 | $168,350 | -23% |
| Information Security Analysts | 1,680 | 0.69 | $103,630 | $64,650 | $157,810 | -20% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 8,600 | 1.12 | $103,450 | $58,560 | $216,940 | -16% |
| Lawyers | 5,770 | 0.59 | $101,550 | $63,010 | $187,180 | -36% |
| Mechanical Engineers | 4,170 | 1.09 | $101,050 | $65,370 | $139,810 | -3% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 1,010 | 8.04 | $52,530 | $30,670 | $75,650 | -10% |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 6,260 | 4.70 | $350,950 | $182,780 | $407,760 | +51% |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | 2,920 | 3.78 | $76,710 | $48,980 | $162,460 | +26% |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | 1,130 | 3.69 | $45,830 | $37,240 | $58,250 | -6% |
| Sailors and Marine Oilers | 1,470 | 3.61 | $47,460 | $36,580 | $62,080 | -8% |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,120 | 3.46 | $50,400 | $38,530 | $60,560 | +1% |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 5,510 | 3.44 | $54,960 | $38,790 | $80,330 | +16% |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 7,290 | 3.31 | $45,760 | $34,920 | $66,280 | -1% |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 1,190 | 3.02 | $66,390 | $45,050 | $106,590 | +7% |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | 1,180 | 2.70 | $41,580 | $38,410 | $48,350 | -23% |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | 1,320 | 2.68 | $49,330 | $35,730 | $101,920 | -27% |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 21,750 | 2.64 | $23,500 | $21,220 | $30,000 | -24% |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 47,320 | 2.62 | $47,950 | $33,560 | $66,320 | +7% |
| Tool and Die Makers | 1,900 | 2.59 | $66,570 | $46,570 | $90,150 | +4% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 1,640 | 2.46 | $222,520 | $189,630 | $289,230 | -6% |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 1,000 | 2.46 | $50,740 | $39,410 | $66,850 | +6% |
| Millwrights | 1,220 | 2.34 | $70,610 | $48,210 | $86,640 | +7% |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 4,340 | 2.24 | $47,110 | $33,970 | $67,810 | +6% |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 1,690 | 2.24 | $36,180 | $31,110 | $45,710 | -21% |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | 1,060 | 2.23 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Anesthesiologists | 1,090 | 2.18 | $347,960 | $107,110 | $491,640 | -11% |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 2,670 | 2.16 | $58,050 | $46,450 | $76,610 | +15% |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 4,120 | 2.14 | $67,690 | $43,470 | $133,060 | -13% |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 26,430 | 2.14 | $38,750 | $30,700 | $49,770 | -16% |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 1,860 | 2.11 | $59,710 | $49,230 | $75,200 | -8% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 287 federal job postings open now in Kentucky (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Veterans Health Administration | 52 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 43 |
| United States Army Installation Management Command | 30 |
| Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System | 24 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 16 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 10 |
| Department of Energy Headquarters | 10 |
| US ARMY HUMAN RESOURCES COMMAND (DRU) | 7 |
| Transportation Security Administration | 7 |
| Department of War Education Activity | 7 |
| Army National Guard Units | 7 |
| Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 6 |
| U.S. Army Reserve Command | 6 |
| U.S. Army Medical Command | 5 |
| Air National Guard Units | 5 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Medical Officer | 19 |
| Aviation Safety | 19 |
| Nurse | 14 |
| Miscellaneous Administration And Program | 10 |
| Police | 9 |
| Medical Support Assistance | 9 |
| Information Technology Management | 8 |
| General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series | 8 |
| Correctional Officer | 8 |
| Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant | 8 |
| Human Resources Management | 8 |
| Management And Program Analysis | 7 |
| Security Guard | 6 |
| Health Aid And Technician | 6 |
| Compliance Inspection And Support | 6 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $61,722 (248 postings).
The median wage in Kentucky is $46,920 a year ($22.56 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (-8%). The 10th percentile earns $27,970 and the 90th $98,380.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 251,890 | 125.9 | 1.10 | $43,580 | $29,640 | $66,240 | -8% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 175,720 | 87.8 | 1.00 | $28,620 | $20,610 | $45,120 | -18% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 225,530 | 112.7 | 1.28 | $44,450 | $30,000 | $74,670 | +0% |
| Sales and Related | 170,640 | 85.3 | 0.99 | $34,590 | $22,990 | $79,580 | -10% |
| Management | 121,940 | 61.0 | 0.85 | $99,250 | $47,440 | $194,990 | -22% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 92,450 | 46.2 | 0.68 | $71,410 | $44,800 | $119,990 | -14% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 141,040 | 70.5 | 1.12 | $78,530 | $40,070 | $153,370 | -9% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 108,650 | 54.3 | 0.93 | $52,700 | $29,030 | $83,090 | -13% |
| Production | 180,330 | 90.1 | 1.64 | $47,760 | $33,280 | $76,440 | +2% |
| Healthcare Support | 85,150 | 42.6 | 0.84 | $38,680 | $29,280 | $54,140 | +1% |
| Construction and Extraction | 76,790 | 38.4 | 0.93 | $53,150 | $36,890 | $83,440 | -11% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 94,130 | 47.1 | 1.20 | $57,580 | $35,100 | $89,870 | -3% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 39,210 | 19.6 | 0.58 | $84,590 | $46,810 | $155,480 | -23% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 53,490 | 26.7 | 0.91 | $34,940 | $26,390 | $48,930 | -7% |
| Protective Service | 44,000 | 22.0 | 0.91 | $42,310 | $28,930 | $75,610 | -16% |
| Personal Care and Service | 32,360 | 16.2 | 0.77 | $31,200 | $22,030 | $51,050 | -14% |
| Community and Social Service | 34,550 | 17.3 | 1.01 | $54,500 | $35,270 | $82,410 | -7% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 27,580 | 13.8 | 0.82 | $84,700 | $50,780 | $132,800 | -15% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 17,920 | 9.0 | 0.68 | $48,110 | $28,080 | $88,410 | -23% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 13,790 | 6.9 | 0.73 | $72,140 | $45,340 | $124,650 | -13% |
| Legal | 10,580 | 5.3 | 0.63 | $78,470 | $47,030 | $165,080 | -23% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 2,620 | 1.3 | 0.47 | $39,330 | $27,730 | $63,270 | +7% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In Kentucky ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $7.25 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | Flat 3.50% |
| Right-to-work state | Yes |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 90.2 |
| Median gross rent per month | $967 |
| Median home value | $205,600 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 68.3% |
| Poverty rate | 16.1% |
| Drive alone to work | 76.6% |
| Public transit to work | 0.6% |
| Work from home | 10.2% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 12.5% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
4.7% of residents of Kentucky were born abroad (211,323 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 34,427 |
| Cuba | 24,213 |
| India | 12,304 |
| Guatemala | 9,425 |
| Philippines | 6,455 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 6,397 |
| Honduras | 4,906 |
| Germany | 4,890 |
| Canada | 4,435 |
| Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) | 4,118 |
| Vietnam | 4,107 |
| Korea | 3,950 |
| Burma (Myanmar) | 3,494 |
| Congo | 3,490 |
| Japan | 3,412 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$7.25 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
Flat 3.50% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
4.7% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$63,726 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
287 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.