Top Paying Jobs in Kentucky
Kentucky has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 148,640 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Cardiologists ($558,180), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($350,950), Anesthesiologists ($347,960). The cost of living index is 90.23 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,110/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$141K
Avg. median salary
90.23
Cost of living index
$1,110
Median 2BR rent
4,569,805
Population
Highest paying careers in Kentucky
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Occupational Therapists | Healthcare | $98K | $46.95/hr |
| 92 | Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | Sales | $98K | $46.94/hr |
| 93 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | Production & Manufacturing | $98K | $46.9/hr |
| 94 | Construction Managers | Management | $97K | $46.64/hr |
| 95 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $97K | $46.55/hr |
| 96 | Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $96K | N/A |
| 97 | Management Analysts | Business & Finance | $96K | $45.98/hr |
| 98 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Healthcare | $95K | $45.9/hr |
| 99 | Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Engineering | $95K | $45.85/hr |
| 100 | Computer Systems Analysts | Technology | $95K | $45.72/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Kentucky
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-9.8% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,110/mo
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Metro areas in Kentucky
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Compare Kentucky to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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Calculate take-home pay in Kentucky
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Kentucky?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Kentucky?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data