📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Compensation and Benefits Specialist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$61,935
per year
Median
$58,565
per year
Hourly
$29.78
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$39,639
25th Percentile — Junior$52,014
50th Percentile — Median$58,565
75th Percentile — Senior$79,858
90th Percentile — Top Earners$90,547
💡 Top-earning Compensation and Benefits Specialists in Kentucky make up to $90,547 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
$52.1k
2021
$54.0k
2022
$55.9k
2023
$57.8k
2024
$59.8k
2025
$61.9k
2026
📈 Compensation and Benefits Specialist salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Compensation and Benefits Specialist Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $52,025 -16.0% High
Lexington $52,025 -16.0% High
🔍
Compensation and Benefits Specialist Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Compensation and Benefits Specialists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $61,935 per year, Kentucky's Compensation and Benefits Specialist 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 $39,639–$52,014, while experienced Compensation and Benefits Specialists can command $79,858–$90,547.

Looking ahead, the Compensation and Benefits Specialist profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.5% 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
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Compensation and Benefits Specialist salary in Kentucky is $61,935 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $74,620.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Compensation and Benefits Specialists 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 Compensation and Benefits Specialist employment.
  • At $61,935/year, Kentucky Compensation and Benefits Specialist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $74,620/year.