Engineering Manager Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$147,680
$71.00/hr
vs National Average
$166,076
-11.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$114K – $202K
2K employed in Kentucky
The median Engineering Manager salary in Kentucky is $147,680 per year, with approximately 1,800 workers employed in this role throughout the state. Salaries in this field range from $114,220 to $201,730 annually. It's worth noting that Kentucky's Engineering Manager compensation sits about 11% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations.
Several factors influence Engineering Manager salary in Kentucky, including industry sector, company size, years of experience, and educational background. Geographic location within the state and proximity to major tech hubs also play a role in compensation levels. Additionally, specialized skills in emerging technologies and advanced degrees can significantly impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Engineering Manager in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $114,220 |
| 25th percentile | $127,880 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $147,680 |
| 75th percentile | $170,650 |
| 90th percentile | $201,730 |
Top-Paying Industries for Engineering Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Engineering Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Engineering Managers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $220,260 | 2K |
| Information | $206,790 | 3K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $192,990 | 3K |
| Retail Trade | $191,820 | 160 |
| Finance and Insurance | $182,680 | 760 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Engineering Manager in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $128,760 |
| 2023 | $129,690 |
| 2024 | $134,880 |
| 2025 | $147,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,541 |
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 | $128,760 | $146,614 |
| 2023 | $129,690 | $154,625 |
| 2024 | $134,880 | $159,404 |
| 2025 | $147,680 | $166,076 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,541 | $176,041 |
Engineering Manager Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $127,880 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $147,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $170,650 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $201,730 |
Engineering Manager Salary in Other States
Related Engineering Manager Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Engineering Manager ($147,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Engineering Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer in KY | $126,130 | -14.6% | $60.64/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in KY | $117,170 | -20.7% | $56.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in KY | $107,520 | -27.2% | $51.69/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | -31.6% | $48.58/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | -31.7% | $48.52/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | -31.9% | $48.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -33.3% | $47.38/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in KY | $96,820 | -34.4% | $46.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -35.4% | $45.85/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in KY | $140,360 | -5.0% | $67.48/hr |
| Pharmacist in KY | $136,530 | -7.6% | $65.64/hr |
| Dentist in KY | $134,160 | -9.2% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do engineering managers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for engineering managers in Kentucky is $147,680 per year, or approximately $71 per hour. This is 11.1% below the national average for this role.
What is the salary range for engineering managers in Kentucky?
- Engineering managers in Kentucky earn between $114,220 and $201,730 annually, depending on experience, company size, and specific industry sector.
Is the engineering manager salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the US average?
- No, Kentucky's median engineering manager salary of $147,680 is 11.1% lower than the national average, making it less competitive than the national market.
How many engineering managers work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,800 engineering managers employed in Kentucky, representing the current workforce in this role across the state.