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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Psychologists, All Other | Science | $150K | $72.11/hr |
| 22 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $148K | $71/hr |
| 23 | Law Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $141K | N/A |
| 24 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $140K | $67.48/hr |
| 25 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $139K | N/A |
| 26 | Sociologists | Science | $137K | $65.8/hr |
| 27 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $137K | $65.64/hr |
| 28 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $134K | $64.5/hr |
| 29 | Financial Managers | Management | $131K | $62.81/hr |
| 30 | Commercial Pilots | Transportation | $130K | N/A |
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