Automotive Service Technician Salary in Kentucky
Based on 11K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$44,890
$21.58/hr
vs National Average
$52,179
-14.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $74K
11K employed in Kentucky
Automotive Service Technician salary in Kentucky averages $44,890 per year, according to current labor data. This represents approximately 14% below the national average for the position. Currently, around 11,140 technicians work in Kentucky, making it a notable employment sector within the state's automotive industry. Understanding these figures provides valuable context for career planning in this field.
Several factors influence Automotive Service Technician salary in Kentucky, including experience level, certification credentials, and employer type. Technicians in independent shops may earn differently than those at dealerships or large repair chains. Geographic location within Kentucky, specific technical specializations, and individual performance metrics also play significant roles in compensation. The salary range spans from $30,210 to $73,910 annually, reflecting these varied conditions and individual circumstances.
Salary Distribution — Automotive Service Technician in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,210 |
| 25th percentile | $35,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,890 |
| 75th percentile | $59,990 |
| 90th percentile | $73,910 |
Top-Paying Industries for Automotive Service Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Automotive Service Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Automotive Service Technicians in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $100,570 | 250 |
| Utilities | $94,910 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $76,020 | 370 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $63,650 | 15K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $61,450 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Automotive Service Technician in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,000 |
| 2023 | $38,080 |
| 2024 | $39,940 |
| 2025 | $44,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,583 |
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 | $36,000 | $46,532 |
| 2023 | $38,080 | $47,903 |
| 2024 | $39,940 | $50,586 |
| 2025 | $44,890 | $52,179 |
| 2026 (projected) | $47,583 | $55,310 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $35,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,910 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary in Other States
Related Automotive Service Technician Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Automotive Service Technician ($44,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Automotive Service Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in KY | $350,950 | +681.8% | $168.73/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in KY | $123,290 | +174.6% | $59.27/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in KY | $73,490 | +63.7% | $35.33/hr |
| Plumber in KY | $64,160 | +42.9% | $30.85/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | +33.0% | $28.71/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in KY | $46,810 | +4.3% | $22.50/hr |
| Construction Laborer in KY | $45,710 | +1.8% | $21.98/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in KY | $44,200 | -1.5% | $21.25/hr |
| Bookkeeper in KY | $46,550 | +3.7% | $22.38/hr |
| Social Worker in KY | $42,570 | -5.2% | $20.47/hr |
| Dental Assistant in KY | $47,730 | +6.3% | $22.95/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in KY | $48,320 | +7.6% | $23.23/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do automotive service technicians make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for automotive service technicians in Kentucky is $44,890 per year, or $22 per hour. This is approximately 14% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for automotive service technicians in Kentucky?
- Automotive service technicians in Kentucky earn between $30,210 and $73,910 annually, depending on experience, skills, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in specialization and career progression within the field.
How many automotive service technicians work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 11,140 automotive service technicians employed across Kentucky, making it a significant employment sector in the state.
Is the automotive service technician salary in Kentucky below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median salary of $44,890 for automotive service technicians is 14% below the national average. Job seekers in this field should expect to earn less in Kentucky compared to most other states.