📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$122,840
per year
Median
$117,860
per year
Hourly
$59.06
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$80,302
25th Percentile — Junior$102,712
50th Percentile — Median$117,860
75th Percentile — Senior$153,135
90th Percentile — Top Earners$171,810
💡 Top-earning Machine Learning Engineers in Kentucky make up to $171,810 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
$79.1k
2021
$86.4k
2022
$94.3k
2023
$103.0k
2024
$112.5k
2025
$122.8k
2026
📈 Machine Learning Engineer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 9.2% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Machine Learning Engineer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $103,186 -16.0% Very High
Lexington $103,186 -16.0% Very High
🔍
Machine Learning Engineer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Machine Learning Engineers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $122,840 per year, Kentucky's Machine Learning 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 $80,302–$102,712, while experienced Machine Learning Engineers can command $153,135–$171,810.

Looking ahead, the Machine Learning Engineer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 9.2% 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
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Machine Learning Engineer salary in Kentucky is $122,840 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $148,000.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Engineer employment.
  • At $122,840/year, Kentucky Machine Learning Engineer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $148,000/year.