📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Data Engineer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$97,940
per year
Median
$92,960
per year
Hourly
$47.09
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$62,665
25th Percentile — Junior$80,925
50th Percentile — Median$92,960
75th Percentile — Senior$122,010
90th Percentile — Top Earners$137,448
💡 Top-earning Data Engineers in Kentucky make up to $137,448 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
$69.2k
2021
$74.2k
2022
$79.5k
2023
$85.2k
2024
$91.4k
2025
$97.9k
2026
📈 Data Engineer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 7.2% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Data Engineer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $82,270 -16.0% Very High
Lexington $82,270 -16.0% Very High
🔍
Data Engineer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Data Engineers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $97,940 per year, Kentucky's Data 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 $62,665–$80,925, while experienced Data Engineers can command $122,010–$137,448.

Looking ahead, the Data Engineer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 7.2% 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 Data Engineer salary in Kentucky is $97,940 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $118,000.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Data 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 Data Engineer employment.
  • At $97,940/year, Kentucky Data Engineer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $118,000/year.