Estimate · based on BLS national data

Hydrologists in Kentucky

$85,988 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$41.34 per hour

▼ 17.0% below U.S. average46th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$85,988per year
Median$80,178per year
Hourly$41.34per hour
10th – 90th percentile$56,835 – $116,930per year

Hydrologists Pay Range in Kentucky

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$56,835
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$71,627
  • 50th Percentile — Median$80,178
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$104,910
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$116,930

Half of Hydrologists in Kentucky earn more than $80,178. The top 10% make $116,930 or more, while entry-level workers start around $56,835.

Hydrologists in Kentucky: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • Kentucky ranks 46th of 51 states for Hydrologists pay, at $85,988 per year (17.0% below the U.S. average of $103,600).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,835; the top 10% earn over $116,930.
  • Hourly equivalent: $41.34 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $160,580.
  • Among science jobs in Kentucky, Physicists pays the most ($179,250).

Hydrologists Job Market in Kentucky

Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky's key industries are Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture, and its job market is rated moderate. Hydrologists here earn $85,988 on average, placing the state 46th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.83 (U.S. = 1.00), a Kentucky salary of $85,988 is roughly equivalent to $103,600 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Idaho ($86,620), North Carolina ($86,330), Wisconsin ($86,040) are the closest alternatives for Hydrologists weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Hydrologists salary in Kentucky?

The average Hydrologists salary in Kentucky is $85,988 per year (median $80,178), which is 17.0% below the national average of $103,600.

How does Kentucky rank for Hydrologists pay?

Kentucky ranks 46th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($160,580/yr).

How much do entry-level Hydrologists make in Kentucky?

The lowest-paid 10% of Hydrologists in Kentucky earn about $56,835 per year and the 25th percentile is $71,627.

How much do Hydrologists make per hour in Kentucky?

About $41.34 per hour, based on the $85,988 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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