If you’re looking for the highest-paying jobs in Kentucky, you’re in the right place. High-paying jobs are available in healthcare, information technology, finance, engineering, and business and professional services. In addition, Kentucky ranks ninth among the fifty states in affordability. This means that Kentucky is a more affordable state to live in than the majority of the US.
Kentucky ranks number 23 out of 50 states nationwide for the highest annual salaries, so it can offer a nice balance between location and earning potential. Some of the best jobs in Kentucky are in healthcare, engineering, and teaching. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in Kentucky for the highest-paying jobs category is $110,415. That’s equivalent to an hourly wage of $53.08.
Kentucky Economic Outlook
Kentucky’s economy is doing well, with a robust job market and plenty of opportunities for advancement. According to a report from IBISWorld, Kentucky’s annual employment rate growth is 2.6 percent. Jobs in goods-producing sectors, including the manufacturing, construction, and mining sectors, are most prominent in Kentucky.
Plus, Kentucky ranks 29th in economic performance. The ranking is based on the state’s GDP growth, unemployment rate, and inflation. Kentucky is also considered a moderately free economy based on the degree of government regulation, taxation, and government spending.
The Highest-Paying Jobs in Kentucky
| Job Title | Average Salary in Kentucky | Average Salary in the US |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $341,435 | $347,662 |
| Dermatologist | $308,993 | $314,628 |
| Orthodontist | $287,420 | $292,662 |
| Neurologist | $284,321 | $289,506 |
| Psychiatrist | $261,701 | $266,474 |
| Cardiologist | $250,543 | $279,682 |
| Surgeon | $222,256 | $248,104 |
| Software Engineer | $116,922 | $130,520 |
| Computer Network Architect | $112,548 | $125,638 |
| Petroleum Engineer | $110,049 | $122,847 |
The Best Jobs in Kentucky: Explained
There are many great jobs in Kentucky, depending on your skillset and qualifications. Some of the best jobs in Kentucky include positions in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. If you’re looking for a great job in Kentucky, you should consider a career in healthcare. Kentucky is home to many hospitals and healthcare providers, especially in Jefferson County and Fayette County, and the industry is snowballing.
The annual salary range for the best jobs in Kentucky may vary depending on your skill level and college education. For example, healthcare jobs offer excellent pay and benefits, and the same goes for manufacturing jobs. Plus, some excellent jobs have relatively modest entry-level education requirements, requiring only a high school education.
1. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists are physicians who administer anesthesia to patients undergoing surgery or other medical procedures. They work in hospitals and other medical facilities. In Kentucky, anesthesiologists are more likely to find jobs in larger metropolitan areas like Louisville and Lexington. The typical salary for anesthesiologists in Kentucky is $287,750.
2. Dermatologist
Dermatologists hold a professional degree in medicine and specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. They may also offer cosmetic services such as skin resurfacing and botox injections. In Kentucky, dermatologists are more likely to find a job than in other states. The average pay range is $260,409.
3. Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, treats, and prevents dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists in Kentucky can easily find a job, and the typical salary is $242,228. Orthodontists have a higher rate of employment in metropolitan areas such as Jefferson County and Fayette County.
4. Neurologist
Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. They may also perform brain surgeries. The salary can vary depending on several factors such as experience, location, and type of practice. According to ZipRecruiter, the median annual wage for a neurologist practicing in Kentucky is $239,616.
5. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental illness. As part of their job description, they may prescribe medication or recommend therapy to help their patients cope with mental health issues. The average salary for a psychiatrist in Kentucky is $220,553.
6. Cardiologist
Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. This may include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Cardiologists may also perform procedures such as angioplasty and cardiac catheterization. The average salary for a cardiologist in Kentucky is $231,485.
7. Surgeon
Surgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of injuries or diseases. Surgeons may perform a variety of surgeries, including general surgeries, neurosurgeries, and cardiovascular surgeries. They may also specialize in certain surgeries, such as orthopedic surgery or plastic surgery. The average salary for a surgeon in Kentucky is $205,349.
8. Software Engineer
A software engineer is a professional who creates, tests, and maintains software. Developing software that meets the needs of clients or employers is one of a software engineer’s routine functions. Software engineers must be able to think logically and communicate effectively. The median salary for software engineers is $108,028 per year.
9. Computer Network Architect
Network engineer architects design and build networks, often for large organizations. They must have a strong understanding of networking principles and protocols and a facility with electronic equipment, and they must be able to think strategically. The average salary for a computer network architect in Kentucky is $103,987.
10. Petroleum Engineer
It’s possible to land a job as a petroleum engineer with a technical degree. Petroleum engineers are responsible for exploring, developing, and producing oil and gas reservoirs. They work to maximize the amount of oil and gas extracted from a reservoir and develop new technologies and methods. The average salary for a petroleum engineer in Kentucky is $101,677.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Kentucky Without a Degree
- Real Estate Manager | $55,606. There are no specific requirements to become a real estate manager, though many have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Economics. Some companies may prefer or require their managers to have a degree, but it’s not always necessary. Real estate managers typically have several years of experience in the industry and must have a strong understanding of financial and legal concepts.
- Plumber | $47,135. Plumbers install and repair plumbing systems in homes and businesses. They don’t need a college degree because they learn their trade through apprenticeships. Plumbers must be able to read blueprints and diagrams and understand and follow written and verbal instructions. They must also be able to work independently and have some teamwork skills.
- Secretary Executive | $46,217. Secretary executives are responsible for the administrative operations of a company or organization. They typically don’t need a college degree because their work is focused more on soft skills, such as organization, problem-solving, and communication.
- Millwright | $43,198. A job as a millwright doesn’t require a professional degree. Millwrights typically work with heavy machinery, assembling and repairing equipment. They may also be responsible for installing and maintaining systems that control machinery. Millwrights typically have a high school education or the equivalent and receive on-the-job training.
- Chefs and Head Cooks | $39,845. Chefs and head cooks usually have a degree in culinary. However, some don’t have a degree but have been cooking for many years. They are responsible for the kitchen’s daily operations, creating menus, ordering supplies, and overseeing staff.
What Is the Cost of Living in Kentucky?
The cost of living in Kentucky is low in comparison to other states. The state’s average cost of living index is 93.6, where 100 represents the US average. By comparison, Santa Clara, California, has a cost of living index of 241.5, and San Francisco has a cost of living index of 269.3.
The cost of living in Kentucky varies by location, of course. For example, Elizabethtown, located in central Kentucky in Hardin County, has a cost of living index of 83.5. This compares favorably to a cost of living index of 93 in Louisville, the seat of Jefferson County and the state’s largest city.
Is Kentucky a Good Place to Work?
Yes, Kentucky is a good place to work. It has a high employment rate and a strong economy. If you’re looking for an occupation in the manufacturing or healthcare industries, Kentucky might be your place.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Kentucky FAQ
A good salary in Kentucky is anything about $66,290. A simple salary calculator shows that the majority of salaries in Kentucky vary between $44,342 (25th percentile) and $66,290 (75th percentile), with the highest earners (90th percentile) earning $80,623. However, the salaries for the highest-paid jobs in Kentucky vary depending on the industry.
Some of the highest-paying jobs in Kentucky are doctors, lawyers, and executives. These jobs typically require a college education, an advanced professional degree, and many years of experience. There are also jobs in the technology and engineering fields. These occupations usually require a college degree in a related field and years of experience.
Most of the jobs in Kentucky are in the most populated and economically prosperous regions in Kentucky, which are the Louisville and Lexington metropolitan areas in Jefferson County and Hardin County, respectively. However, there is room for economic advancement all over Kentucky. The state has many rural areas that could benefit from economic development, and the largest city, Louisville, has a large number of jobs.
In Kentucky, physicians earn an average salary of $173,020, though wages vary by specialty. For example, anesthesiologists earn an average of $287,750 per year, while family physicians earn $189,476.
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