Chief Executive Officer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$179,530
$86.31/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
-15.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $467K
2K employed in Kentucky
Chief Executive Officer salary in Kentucky averages $179,530 annually, according to current employment data. With approximately 2,070 CEOs working throughout the state, Kentucky's executive compensation falls 16% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and industry composition compared to higher-cost metropolitan areas nationwide.
Several factors influence Chief Executive Officer salary in Kentucky, including company size, industry sector, and geographic location within the state. Larger corporations and industries like healthcare and manufacturing typically offer higher compensation packages, while smaller businesses may provide more modest salaries. Years of experience, educational background, and prior executive performance also significantly impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,800 |
| 25th percentile | $119,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $179,530 |
| 75th percentile | $298,750 |
| 90th percentile | $466,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $157,790 |
| 2023 | $171,990 |
| 2024 | $146,630 |
| 2025 | $179,530 |
| 2026 (projected) | $190,302 |
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 | $157,790 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $171,990 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $146,630 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $179,530 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $190,302 | $225,376 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $119,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $179,530 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $298,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $466,660 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Chief Executive Officer ($179,530 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager in KY | $128,930 | -28.2% | $61.99/hr |
| Sales Manager in KY | $128,650 | -28.3% | $61.85/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in KY | $124,350 | -30.7% | $59.78/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in KY | $121,460 | -32.3% | $58.39/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in KY | $112,750 | -37.2% | $54.21/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in KY | $112,320 | -37.4% | $54.00/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in KY | $112,250 | -37.5% | $53.97/hr |
| Construction Manager in KY | $97,020 | -46.0% | $46.64/hr |
| Management Analyst in KY | $95,630 | -46.7% | $45.98/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in KY | $81,700 | -54.5% | $39.28/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in KY | $79,370 | -55.8% | $38.16/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in KY | $69,010 | -61.6% | $33.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CEOs make in Kentucky?
- The median CEO salary in Kentucky is $179,530 per year, or approximately $86 per hour. This is 15.6% below the national average for chief executives.
What is the salary range for a CEO in Kentucky?
- CEO salaries in Kentucky range from $72,800 on the low end to $466,660 on the high end, representing significant variation based on company size and industry.
How many CEOs are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 2,070 chief executive officers employed in Kentucky according to current employment data.
Is the CEO salary in Kentucky lower than the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median CEO salary of $179,530 is 15.6% lower than the national average for the position, making it below the typical compensation level across the United States.