📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

CNC Machine Operator Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$39,242
per year
Median
$36,752
per year
Hourly
$18.87
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$26,792
25th Percentile — Junior$33,432
50th Percentile — Median$36,752
75th Percentile — Senior$48,372
90th Percentile — Top Earners$53,665
💡 Top-earning CNC Machine Operators in Kentucky make up to $53,665 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
$33.0k
2021
$34.2k
2022
$35.4k
2023
$36.6k
2024
$37.9k
2025
$39.2k
2026
📈 CNC Machine Operator 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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CNC Machine Operator Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $32,963 -16.0% High
Lexington $32,963 -16.0% High
🔍
CNC Machine Operator Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for CNC Machine Operators. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $39,242 per year, Kentucky's CNC Machine Operator 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 $26,792–$33,432, while experienced CNC Machine Operators can command $48,372–$53,665.

Looking ahead, the CNC Machine Operator 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 CNC Machine Operator salary in Kentucky is $39,242 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $47,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay CNC Machine Operators 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 CNC Machine Operator employment.
  • At $39,242/year, Kentucky CNC Machine Operator salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $47,280/year.