📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mechanical Engineers Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$94,296
per year
Median
$86,411
per year
Hourly
$45.33
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$65,162
25th Percentile — Junior$80,160
50th Percentile — Median$86,411
75th Percentile — Senior$113,905
90th Percentile — Top Earners$125,490
💡 Top-earning Mechanical Engineerss in Kentucky make up to $125,490 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$80.6k
2021
$83.1k
2022
$85.8k
2023
$88.5k
2024
$91.4k
2025
$94.3k
2026
📈 Mechanical Engineers salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mechanical Engineers Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $79,209 -16.0% High
Lexington $79,209 -16.0% High
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Mechanical Engineers Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Mechanical Engineerss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $94,296 per year, Kentucky's Mechanical Engineers 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 $65,162–$80,160, while experienced Mechanical Engineerss can command $113,905–$125,490.

Looking ahead, the Mechanical Engineers profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.2% 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Mechanical Engineers salary in Kentucky is $94,296 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $113,610.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Mechanical Engineerss 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 Mechanical Engineers employment.
  • At $94,296/year, Kentucky Mechanical Engineers salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $113,610/year.