📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Cutting Machine Operator Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$33,432
per year
Median
$30,942
per year
Hourly
$16.07
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$23,182
25th Percentile — Junior$28,660
50th Percentile — Median$30,942
75th Percentile — Senior$40,985
90th Percentile — Top Earners$45,266
💡 Top-earning Cutting Machine Operators in Kentucky make up to $45,266 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
$30.3k
2021
$30.9k
2022
$31.5k
2023
$32.1k
2024
$32.8k
2025
$33.4k
2026
📈 Cutting Machine Operator salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Cutting Machine Operator Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $28,083 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $28,083 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Cutting Machine Operator Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Cutting Machine Operators. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $33,432 per year, Kentucky's Cutting 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 $23,182–$28,660, while experienced Cutting Machine Operators can command $40,985–$45,266.

Looking ahead, the Cutting Machine Operator profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.0% 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
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Cutting Machine Operator salary in Kentucky is $33,432 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $40,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Cutting 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 Cutting Machine Operator employment.
  • At $33,432/year, Kentucky Cutting Machine Operator salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $40,280/year.