📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Software Developer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$108,033
per year
Median
$103,086
per year
Hourly
$51.94
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$67,409
25th Percentile — Junior$89,671
50th Percentile — Median$103,086
75th Percentile — Senior$139,761
90th Percentile — Top Earners$159,303
💡 Top-earning Software Developers in Kentucky make up to $159,303 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
$84.2k
2021
$88.5k
2022
$93.1k
2023
$97.8k
2024
$102.8k
2025
$108.0k
2026
📈 Software Developer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 5.1% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Software Developer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $90,748 -16.0% Very High
Lexington $90,748 -16.0% Very High
🔍
Software Developer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Software Developers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $108,033 per year, Kentucky's Software Developer 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 $67,409–$89,671, while experienced Software Developers can command $139,761–$159,303.

Looking ahead, the Software Developer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 5.1% 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
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Software Developer salary in Kentucky is $108,033 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $130,160.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Software Developers 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 Software Developer employment.
  • At $108,033/year, Kentucky Software Developer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $130,160/year.