Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 420+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$76,100
$36.59/hr
vs National Average
$81,843
-7.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $105K
420 employed in Kentucky
Commercial and Industrial Designer salary in Kentucky averages $76,100 per year, with the state currently employing approximately 420 professionals in this field. This figure sits 7% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in the state range from $51,020 at the entry level to $104,900 for experienced designers, providing insight into career progression opportunities within Kentucky's design sector.
Several factors influence commercial and industrial designer compensation in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Geographic location within the state, company size, and sector focus—such as manufacturing or product development—also play significant roles in determining salary levels. Additionally, portfolio quality and specialized technical skills can substantially impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Commercial and Industrial Designer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,020 |
| 25th percentile | $65,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,100 |
| 75th percentile | $81,740 |
| 90th percentile | $104,900 |
Top-Paying Industries for Commercial and Industrial Designer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Commercial and Industrial Designers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Commercial and Industrial Designers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $108,060 | 40 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $104,000 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,570 | 4K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $98,160 | 8K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $91,860 | 890 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Commercial and Industrial Designer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,560 |
| 2023 | $74,930 |
| 2024 | $70,470 |
| 2025 | $76,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,666 |
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 | $80,560 | $74,737 |
| 2023 | $74,930 | $75,423 |
| 2024 | $70,470 | $77,357 |
| 2025 | $76,100 | $81,843 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,666 | $86,754 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,900 |
Commercial and Industrial Designer Salary in Other States
Related Commercial and Industrial Designer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Commercial and Industrial Designer ($76,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Commercial and Industrial Designer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Director in KY | $76,160 | +0.1% | $36.62/hr |
| Interior Designer in KY | $59,240 | -22.2% | $28.48/hr |
| Producer and Director in KY | $54,550 | -28.3% | $26.23/hr |
| Graphic Designer in KY | $52,960 | -30.4% | $25.46/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in KY | $48,320 | -36.5% | $23.23/hr |
| Financial Examiner in KY | $76,260 | +0.2% | $36.66/hr |
| Budget Analyst in KY | $76,860 | +1.0% | $36.95/hr |
| Accountant in KY | $75,270 | -1.1% | $36.19/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in KY | $77,000 | +1.2% | $37.02/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KY | $74,710 | -1.8% | $35.92/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | +1.9% | $37.26/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KY | $77,580 | +1.9% | $37.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial and industrial designers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for commercial and industrial designers in Kentucky is $76,100 per year, or $37 per hour. This is about 7% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for industrial designers in Kentucky?
- Commercial and industrial designers in Kentucky earn between $51,020 and $104,900 annually, depending on experience, employer, and specialization. This represents a salary range of over $53,000 between entry-level and top earners.
Is the Kentucky industrial designer salary below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median salary of $76,100 for commercial and industrial designers is 7% below the national average. Despite this difference, the state still offers competitive hourly wages at $37 per hour.
How many commercial and industrial designer jobs are available in Kentucky?
- There are 420 commercial and industrial designers currently employed in Kentucky. This represents the available job market for professionals in this field throughout the state.