Industrial Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 6K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$96,820
$46.55/hr
vs National Average
$106,510
-9.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $136K
6K employed in Kentucky
Industrial engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $96,820 per year, with approximately 6,070 workers employed in the state. This figure falls about 9% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range spans from $65,980 to $135,720 annually, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances and employer types.
Several factors influence industrial engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Company size and location within the state also play important roles in compensation levels. Engineers working in manufacturing hubs or for larger corporations typically command higher wages, while those in smaller markets or emerging industries may see lower salaries within the state's range.
Salary Distribution — Industrial Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,980 |
| 25th percentile | $79,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,820 |
| 75th percentile | $116,150 |
| 90th percentile | $135,720 |
Top-Paying Industries for Industrial Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Industrial Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Industrial Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $141,220 | 2K |
| Information | $131,410 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,520 | 15K |
| Utilities | $125,250 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $125,240 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Industrial Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,100 |
| 2023 | $84,980 |
| 2024 | $95,780 |
| 2025 | $96,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,871 |
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 | $82,100 | $93,869 |
| 2023 | $84,980 | $99,283 |
| 2024 | $95,780 | $104,330 |
| 2025 | $96,820 | $106,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,871 | $107,667 |
Industrial Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $116,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $135,720 |
Industrial Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Industrial Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Industrial Engineer ($96,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Industrial Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in KY | $147,680 | +52.5% | $71.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in KY | $126,130 | +30.3% | $60.64/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in KY | $117,170 | +21.0% | $56.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in KY | $107,520 | +11.1% | $51.69/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | +4.4% | $48.58/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | +4.2% | $48.52/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | +3.9% | $48.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | +1.8% | $47.38/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -1.5% | $45.85/hr |
| Construction Manager in KY | $97,020 | +0.2% | $46.64/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in KY | $97,650 | +0.9% | $46.95/hr |
| Management Analyst in KY | $95,630 | -1.2% | $45.98/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do industrial engineers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for industrial engineers in Kentucky is $96,820 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is about 9.1% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for industrial engineers in Kentucky?
- Industrial engineer salaries in Kentucky range from $65,980 at the lower end to $135,720 at the higher end, representing a significant spread based on experience and other factors.
How many industrial engineers work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 6,070 industrial engineers currently employed in Kentucky, providing a substantial job market for this profession in the state.
Is the Kentucky industrial engineer salary below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median industrial engineer salary of $96,820 is 9.1% below the national average, making it a relatively lower-paying state for this profession compared to other regions.