Civil Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 3K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$100,930
$48.52/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
+1.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $144K
3K employed in Kentucky
Civil engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $100,930 per year, which is 2% above the national average. With approximately 2,690 civil engineers employed throughout the state, Kentucky offers competitive compensation in this field. Salaries typically range from $65,660 to $143,680 annually, reflecting the diverse experience levels and specializations within the profession.
Several factors influence civil engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Engineers working on large infrastructure projects or in urban areas like Louisville and Lexington often command higher pay. Additionally, specialized skills in areas such as structural design, project management, and environmental compliance can significantly impact earning potential across the state.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,660 |
| 25th percentile | $78,960 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,930 |
| 75th percentile | $122,930 |
| 90th percentile | $143,680 |
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,410 |
| 2023 | $90,580 |
| 2024 | $100,200 |
| 2025 | $100,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,665 |
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 | $80,410 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $90,580 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $100,200 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $100,930 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,665 | $99,873 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,960 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,930 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $143,680 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Civil Engineer ($100,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in KY | $147,680 | +46.3% | $71.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in KY | $126,130 | +25.0% | $60.64/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in KY | $117,170 | +16.1% | $56.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in KY | $107,520 | +6.5% | $51.69/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | +0.1% | $48.58/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | -0.3% | $48.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -2.4% | $47.38/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in KY | $96,820 | -4.1% | $46.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -5.5% | $45.85/hr |
| Physical Therapist in KY | $100,710 | -0.2% | $48.42/hr |
| Lawyer in KY | $101,550 | +0.6% | $48.82/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | -1.8% | $47.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do civil engineers make in Kentucky?
- Civil engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $100,930 per year, or $49 per hour. This is about 1.8% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for civil engineers in Kentucky?
- Civil engineer salaries in Kentucky range from $65,660 at the lower end to $143,680 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is Kentucky a good state for civil engineer salaries?
- Yes, Kentucky offers competitive civil engineer salaries with a median of $100,930 annually, which exceeds the national average by 1.8%, making it an attractive location for the profession.
How many civil engineers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 2,690 civil engineers currently employed in Kentucky, indicating a stable job market in the state.