📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Industrial Truck Operator Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$36,918
per year
Median
$35,092
per year
Hourly
$17.75
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$26,460
25th Percentile — Junior$31,772
50th Percentile — Median$35,092
75th Percentile — Senior$43,724
90th Percentile — Top Earners$47,557
💡 Top-earning Industrial Truck Operators in Kentucky make up to $47,557 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
$32.6k
2021
$33.4k
2022
$34.3k
2023
$35.1k
2024
$36.0k
2025
$36.9k
2026
📈 Industrial Truck Operator salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Industrial Truck Operator Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $31,011 -16.0% High
Lexington $31,011 -16.0% High
🔍
Industrial Truck Operator Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Industrial Truck Operators. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $36,918 per year, Kentucky's Industrial Truck 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 $26,460–$31,772, while experienced Industrial Truck Operators can command $43,724–$47,557.

Looking ahead, the Industrial Truck Operator profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% 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 Industrial Truck Operator salary in Kentucky is $36,918 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $44,480.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Industrial Truck 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 Industrial Truck Operator employment.
  • At $36,918/year, Kentucky Industrial Truck Operator salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $44,480/year.