📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Human Resources Specialist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$56,150
per year
Median
$53,319
per year
Hourly
$27.0
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$35,870
25th Percentile — Junior$47,478
50th Percentile — Median$53,319
75th Percentile — Senior$73,597
90th Percentile — Top Earners$83,729
💡 Top-earning Human Resources Specialists in Kentucky make up to $83,729 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
$47.3k
2021
$48.9k
2022
$50.6k
2023
$52.4k
2024
$54.3k
2025
$56.1k
2026
📈 Human Resources 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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Human Resources Specialist Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $47,166 -16.0% High
Lexington $47,166 -16.0% High
🔍
Human Resources Specialist Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Human Resources Specialists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $56,150 per year, Kentucky's Human Resources 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 $35,870–$47,478, while experienced Human Resources Specialists can command $73,597–$83,729.

Looking ahead, the Human Resources 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Human Resources Specialist salary in Kentucky is $56,150 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $67,650.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Human Resources 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 Human Resources Specialist employment.
  • At $56,150/year, Kentucky Human Resources Specialist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $67,650/year.