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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Marketing Managers | Management | $129K | $61.98/hr |
| 32 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $129K | $61.95/hr |
| 33 | Sales Managers | Management | $129K | $61.85/hr |
| 34 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $128K | $61.44/hr |
| 35 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $126K | $60.79/hr |
| 36 | Aerospace Engineers | Engineering | $126K | $60.64/hr |
| 37 | Database Architects | Technology | $125K | $60.29/hr |
| 38 | Fundraising Managers | Management | $125K | $59.99/hr |
| 39 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $124K | $59.78/hr |
| 40 | Airfield Operations Specialists | Transportation | $123K | $59.27/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
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
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