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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Training and Development Managers | Management | $113K | $54.21/hr |
| 52 | Statisticians | Technology | $113K | $54.1/hr |
| 53 | Public Relations Managers | Management | $112K | $54/hr |
| 54 | Industrial Production Managers | Management | $112K | $53.97/hr |
| 55 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $111K | N/A |
| 56 | Software Developers | Technology | $109K | $52.41/hr |
| 57 | Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | Engineering | $108K | $51.81/hr |
| 58 | Environmental Engineers | Engineering | $108K | $51.69/hr |
| 59 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | Management | $107K | $51.46/hr |
| 60 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $106K | 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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See what your salary is worth in Kentucky
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