📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Chemical Engineer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$93,043
per year
Median
$87,606
per year
Hourly
$44.73
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$58,899
25th Percentile — Junior$77,269
50th Percentile — Median$87,606
75th Percentile — Senior$118,601
90th Percentile — Top Earners$134,463
💡 Top-earning Chemical Engineers in Kentucky make up to $134,463 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$82.2k
2021
$84.3k
2022
$86.4k
2023
$88.6k
2024
$90.8k
2025
$93.0k
2026
📈 Chemical Engineer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $78,156 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $78,156 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Chemical Engineer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Chemical Engineers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $93,043 per year, Kentucky's Chemical Engineer 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 $58,899–$77,269, while experienced Chemical Engineers can command $118,601–$134,463.

Looking ahead, the Chemical Engineer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Chemical Engineer salary in Kentucky is $93,043 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $112,100.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Chemical Engineers 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 Chemical Engineer employment.
  • At $93,043/year, Kentucky Chemical Engineer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $112,100/year.