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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Engineers, All Other | Engineering | $100K | $48/hr |
| 82 | Genetic Counselors | Healthcare | $100K | $47.97/hr |
| 83 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Science | $99K | $47.66/hr |
| 84 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Repair & Maintenance | $99K | $47.53/hr |
| 85 | Food Scientists and Technologists | Science | $99K | $47.46/hr |
| 86 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Management | $99K | $47.39/hr |
| 87 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $99K | $47.38/hr |
| 88 | Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage | Business & Finance | $98K | $47.09/hr |
| 89 | Radiation Therapists | Healthcare | $98K | $47/hr |
| 90 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | Engineering | $98K | $46.96/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