Aerospace Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 290+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$126,130
$60.64/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
-3.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$100K – $172K
290 employed in Kentucky
Aerospace engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $126,130 per year, with approximately 290 workers employed in the state. This figure sits 3% below the national average, reflecting regional variations in the aerospace industry. Salaries in the field typically range from $100,440 to $172,340 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence aerospace engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, specific employer, and technical specializations. The state's aerospace employment landscape differs from major aerospace hubs, which may account for the slightly lower median compared to national figures. Workers with advanced degrees, specialized certifications, or roles in management or research generally command higher compensation within this field.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,440 |
| 25th percentile | $105,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,130 |
| 75th percentile | $166,300 |
| 90th percentile | $172,340 |
Top-Paying Industries for Aerospace Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Aerospace Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Aerospace Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $166,980 | 970 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $142,630 | 10K |
| Information | $138,400 | 260 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,970 | 860 |
| Manufacturing | $134,960 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Aerospace Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $120,150 |
| 2023 | $107,730 |
| 2024 | $117,660 |
| 2025 | $126,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,698 |
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 | $120,150 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $107,730 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $117,660 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $126,130 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,698 | $137,939 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $166,300 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $172,340 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Aerospace Engineer ($126,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in KY | $147,680 | +17.1% | $71.00/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in KY | $117,170 | -7.1% | $56.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in KY | $107,520 | -14.8% | $51.69/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | -19.9% | $48.58/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | -20.0% | $48.52/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | -20.2% | $48.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -21.9% | $47.38/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in KY | $96,820 | -23.2% | $46.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -24.4% | $45.85/hr |
| Database Administrator in KY | $125,400 | -0.6% | $60.29/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in KY | $124,350 | -1.4% | $59.78/hr |
| Sales Manager in KY | $128,650 | +2.0% | $61.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in Kentucky?
- Aerospace engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $126,130 per year, or approximately $61 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, representing a 3.1% difference.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in Kentucky?
- Aerospace engineer salaries in Kentucky range from $100,440 on the lower end to $172,340 at the higher end, providing a span of over $71,000 depending on experience and specialization.
How many aerospace engineers work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 290 aerospace engineers currently employed in Kentucky, representing a relatively specialized workforce in the state.
Is the aerospace engineer salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's aerospace engineer median salary of $126,130 is competitive but runs 3.1% below the national average, meaning the state offers slightly lower compensation than most other regions in the country.