Environmental Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 350+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$107,520
$51.69/hr
vs National Average
$104,071
+3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $157K
350 employed in Kentucky
Environmental engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $107,520 per year, which sits 3% above the national average. With approximately 350 environmental engineers currently employed in the state, Kentucky offers competitive compensation for professionals in this field. Salaries across the state range from $76,310 to $157,130 annually, reflecting differences in experience and specialization.
Several factors influence environmental engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and industry focus. Engineers working for government agencies, consulting firms, or large industrial operations may earn different rates than those in smaller organizations. Geographic location within Kentucky, specific certifications, and advanced degrees also play significant roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,310 |
| 25th percentile | $93,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $107,520 |
| 75th percentile | $132,190 |
| 90th percentile | $157,130 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Warehousing | $131,590 | 230 |
| Utilities | $124,760 | 550 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | 440 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $117,490 | 1K |
| Manufacturing | $115,220 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $78,190 |
| 2023 | $99,380 |
| 2024 | $104,770 |
| 2025 | $107,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,342 |
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 | $78,190 | $92,026 |
| 2023 | $99,380 | $96,306 |
| 2024 | $104,770 | $100,067 |
| 2025 | $107,520 | $104,071 |
| 2026 (projected) | $110,342 | $106,803 |
Environmental Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $93,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $107,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $132,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $157,130 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Environmental Engineer ($107,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in KY | $147,680 | +37.4% | $71.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in KY | $126,130 | +17.3% | $60.64/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in KY | $117,170 | +9.0% | $56.33/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | -6.0% | $48.58/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | -6.1% | $48.52/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | -6.4% | $48.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -8.3% | $47.38/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in KY | $96,820 | -10.0% | $46.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -11.3% | $45.85/hr |
| Software Developer in KY | $109,010 | +1.4% | $52.41/hr |
| Veterinarian in KY | $104,100 | -3.2% | $50.05/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in KY | $103,740 | -3.5% | $49.88/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental engineers make in Kentucky?
- Environmental engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $107,520 per year, or $52 per hour. This is 3.3% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for environmental engineers in Kentucky?
- Environmental engineer salaries in Kentucky range from $76,310 at the lower end to $157,130 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and employer type.
Is Kentucky a good state for environmental engineer jobs?
- Kentucky offers competitive pay for environmental engineers with a median salary of $107,520, which exceeds the national average by 3.3%. However, the state employs approximately 350 environmental engineers, which is a relatively modest job market.
What's the hourly wage for environmental engineers in Kentucky?
- Environmental engineers in Kentucky earn a median hourly wage of $52, which translates to the annual median salary of $107,520.