Chemical Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 190+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$117,170
$56.33/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+1.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$89K – $162K
190 employed in Kentucky
Chemical engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $117,170 per year, which is approximately 1% above the national average. With around 190 chemical engineers currently employed throughout the state, Kentucky offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. Salaries in the state range from $89,040 to $161,500 annually, reflecting the diverse experience levels and specializations within the profession.
Several factors influence chemical engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, specific industry sector, educational credentials, and geographic location within the state. Engineers working in petrochemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing tend to command higher salaries than those in smaller operations. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications can also impact earning potential, as can proximity to major industrial hubs where chemical processing facilities are concentrated.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $89,040 |
| 25th percentile | $106,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $117,170 |
| 75th percentile | $136,450 |
| 90th percentile | $161,500 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemical Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | 1K |
| Construction | $131,190 | 400 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | 650 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,280 |
| 2023 | $112,210 |
| 2024 | $112,390 |
| 2025 | $117,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,153 |
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 | $99,280 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $112,210 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $112,390 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $117,170 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,153 | $120,551 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $117,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $161,500 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Chemical Engineer ($117,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in KY | $147,680 | +26.0% | $71.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in KY | $126,130 | +7.6% | $60.64/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in KY | $107,520 | -8.2% | $51.69/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | -13.8% | $48.58/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | -13.9% | $48.52/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | -14.1% | $48.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -15.9% | $47.38/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in KY | $96,820 | -17.4% | $46.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -18.6% | $45.85/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in KY | $116,200 | -0.8% | $55.87/hr |
| Actuary in KY | $120,400 | +2.8% | $57.88/hr |
| Physician Assistant in KY | $120,760 | +3.1% | $58.06/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Kentucky?
- Chemical engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $117,170 per year, or $56 per hour. This is approximately 1.3% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Kentucky?
- Chemical engineers in Kentucky can expect salaries ranging from $89,040 on the lower end to $161,500 on the higher end, depending on experience and other factors.
Is the chemical engineer salary in Kentucky above the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median chemical engineer salary of $117,170 is slightly above the national average, representing a 1.3% premium compared to the rest of the country.
How many chemical engineers work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 190 chemical engineers currently employed in Kentucky according to the latest employment data.