📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Bartenders Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$30,942
per year
Median
$27,622
per year
Hourly
$14.88
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$22,393
25th Percentile — Junior$28,037
50th Percentile — Median$27,622
75th Percentile — Senior$40,736
90th Percentile — Top Earners$45,266
💡 Top-earning Bartenderss in Kentucky make up to $45,266 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$26.7k
2021
$27.5k
2022
$28.3k
2023
$29.2k
2024
$30.0k
2025
$30.9k
2026
📈 Bartenders salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Bartenders Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $25,991 -16.0% Very High
Lexington $25,991 -16.0% Very High
🔍
Bartenders Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Bartenderss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $30,942 per year, Kentucky's Bartenders salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $22,393–$28,037, while experienced Bartenderss can command $40,736–$45,266.

Looking ahead, the Bartenders profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Bartenders salary in Kentucky is $30,942 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $37,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Bartenderss the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Bartenders employment.
  • At $30,942/year, Kentucky Bartenders salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $37,280/year.