Human Resources Manager Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$121,460
$58.39/hr
vs National Average
$138,551
-12.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $194K
2K employed in Kentucky
The median Human Resources Manager salary in Kentucky is $121,460 per year, with approximately 1,960 HR managers currently employed throughout the state. This figure falls about 12% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in this field range from $76,520 at the lower end to $194,280 for experienced professionals, indicating substantial variation based on individual qualifications and circumstances.
Several factors influence compensation for HR managers in Kentucky, including years of experience, company size, and industry sector. Larger organizations and those in specialized industries typically offer higher salaries than smaller employers. Educational credentials, professional certifications, and specific skill sets in areas like talent management or compliance also play significant roles in determining where professionals fall within the salary range.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Manager in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,520 |
| 25th percentile | $96,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $121,460 |
| 75th percentile | $155,170 |
| 90th percentile | $194,280 |
Top-Paying Industries for Human Resources Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Human Resources Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Human Resources Managers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $201,620 | 9K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $170,590 | 33K |
| Finance and Insurance | $170,510 | 16K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $166,200 | 33K |
| Utilities | $165,700 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Human Resources Manager in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $106,090 |
| 2023 | $111,130 |
| 2024 | $113,740 |
| 2025 | $121,460 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,748 |
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 | $106,090 | $120,399 |
| 2023 | $111,130 | $127,130 |
| 2024 | $113,740 | $131,972 |
| 2025 | $121,460 | $138,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,748 | $146,864 |
Human Resources Manager Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $121,460 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $155,170 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $194,280 |
Human Resources Manager Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Manager Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Human Resources Manager ($121,460 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in KY | $179,530 | +47.8% | $86.31/hr |
| Marketing Manager in KY | $128,930 | +6.2% | $61.99/hr |
| Sales Manager in KY | $128,650 | +5.9% | $61.85/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in KY | $124,350 | +2.4% | $59.78/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in KY | $112,750 | -7.2% | $54.21/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in KY | $112,320 | -7.5% | $54.00/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in KY | $112,250 | -7.6% | $53.97/hr |
| Construction Manager in KY | $97,020 | -20.1% | $46.64/hr |
| Management Analyst in KY | $95,630 | -21.3% | $45.98/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in KY | $81,700 | -32.7% | $39.28/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in KY | $79,370 | -34.7% | $38.16/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in KY | $69,010 | -43.2% | $33.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Human Resources Managers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for Human Resources Managers in Kentucky is $121,460 per year, or $58 per hour. This is approximately 12.3% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for HR Managers in Kentucky?
- Human Resources Manager salaries in Kentucky range from $76,520 at the lower end to $194,280 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, company size, and specialization.
How many HR Managers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,960 Human Resources Managers currently employed in Kentucky, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the state.
Is the Kentucky HR Manager salary competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky's median HR Manager salary of $121,460 is 12.3% lower than the national average, making it a less competitive market for this role compared to other states.