Accountant Salary in Kentucky
Based on 12K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$75,270
$36.19/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
-8.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $121K
12K employed in Kentucky
The median accountant salary in Kentucky is $75,270 per year, which is approximately 9% below the national average. With nearly 12,000 accountants currently employed throughout the state, Kentucky offers a stable job market for finance professionals. Salaries in the field typically range from $50,750 to $121,230 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence accountant salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, professional certifications like CPA status, industry sector, and company size. Accountants working for larger corporations or in specialized fields often earn more than those in smaller firms or government positions. Geographic location within the state, educational background, and specific skill sets also play important roles in determining compensation levels for accounting professionals.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,750 |
| 25th percentile | $61,040 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,270 |
| 75th percentile | $96,780 |
| 90th percentile | $121,230 |
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,860 |
| 2023 | $67,210 |
| 2024 | $72,220 |
| 2025 | $75,270 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,449 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,860 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $67,210 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $72,220 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $75,270 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $78,449 | $86,085 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $61,040 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,270 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $121,230 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Accountant ($75,270 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in KY | $130,650 | +73.6% | $62.81/hr |
| Actuary in KY | $120,400 | +60.0% | $57.88/hr |
| Financial Analyst in KY | $81,660 | +8.5% | $39.26/hr |
| Credit Analyst in KY | $79,290 | +5.3% | $38.12/hr |
| Budget Analyst in KY | $76,860 | +2.1% | $36.95/hr |
| Financial Examiner in KY | $76,260 | +1.3% | $36.66/hr |
| Economist in KY | $71,400 | -5.1% | $34.33/hr |
| Compliance Officer in KY | $69,240 | -8.0% | $33.29/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in KY | $67,150 | -10.8% | $32.28/hr |
| Tax Examiner in KY | $65,690 | -12.7% | $31.58/hr |
| Loan Officer in KY | $62,090 | -17.5% | $29.85/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | -19.1% | $29.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for accountants in Kentucky is $75,270 per year, or $36 per hour. This is approximately 8.9% below the national average for accountants.
What is the salary range for accountants in Kentucky?
- Accountant salaries in Kentucky range from $50,750 at the lower end to $121,230 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many accountants work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 11,930 accountants employed in Kentucky, making it a significant portion of the state's professional workforce.
Is the Kentucky accountant salary below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median accountant salary of $75,270 is 8.9% lower than the national average, though salaries at the top end can reach $121,230 for experienced professionals.