Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 500+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$116,200
$55.87/hr
vs National Average
$130,164
-10.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $128K
500 employed in Kentucky
Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Kentucky averages $116,200 per year, with approximately 500 workers employed in this field throughout the state. This median figure is notably 11% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries for hardware engineers in Kentucky typically range from $71,400 to $128,050 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Computer Hardware Engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational background, and specific industry sector. Engineers working in larger metropolitan areas or specialized tech hubs may earn higher compensation than those in rural regions. Additional considerations include company size, technical certifications, and whether positions involve research, design, or manufacturing roles, all of which can significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Computer Hardware Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,400 |
| 25th percentile | $97,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $116,200 |
| 75th percentile | $126,180 |
| 90th percentile | $128,050 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer Hardware Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer Hardware Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer Hardware Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $169,030 | 6K |
| Finance and Insurance | $167,190 | 290 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $165,530 | 4K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $165,350 | 30K |
| Manufacturing | $161,530 | 26K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Hardware Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $88,100 |
| 2024 | $88,750 |
| 2025 | $116,200 |
| 2026 (projected) | $123,172 |
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 | $88,100 | $111,329 |
| 2024 | $88,750 | $126,815 |
| 2025 | $116,200 | $130,164 |
| 2026 (projected) | $123,172 | $137,974 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $116,200 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $126,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $128,050 |
Computer Hardware Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Hardware Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Computer Hardware Engineer ($116,200 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Hardware Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in KY | $140,360 | +20.8% | $67.48/hr |
| Database Administrator in KY | $125,400 | +7.9% | $60.29/hr |
| Statistician in KY | $112,520 | -3.2% | $54.10/hr |
| Software Developer in KY | $109,010 | -6.2% | $52.41/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in KY | $103,740 | -10.7% | $49.88/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in KY | $103,630 | -10.8% | $49.82/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in KY | $95,090 | -18.2% | $45.72/hr |
| Computer Programmer in KY | $94,850 | -18.4% | $45.60/hr |
| Data Scientist in KY | $91,760 | -21.0% | $44.12/hr |
| Software Engineer in KY | $89,420 | -23.0% | $42.99/hr |
| Network Administrator in KY | $87,020 | -25.1% | $41.84/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in KY | $83,850 | -27.8% | $40.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do computer hardware engineers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for computer hardware engineers in Kentucky is $116,200 per year, or $56 per hour. This is 10.7% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for hardware engineers in Kentucky?
- Computer hardware engineers in Kentucky earn between $71,400 and $128,050 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. This $56,650 range reflects the variation across entry-level to experienced professionals in the state.
Is the hardware engineer salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's median hardware engineer salary of $116,200 is about 10.7% lower than the national average. However, with approximately 500 hardware engineers employed in the state, it remains a viable career option for those seeking stability in the field.
What hourly wage can I expect as a computer hardware engineer in Kentucky?
- The median hourly rate for computer hardware engineers in Kentucky is $56 per hour, which translates to the annual median of $116,200. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers can earn up to approximately $61.50 per hour based on the salary range provided.