Lawyer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 6K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$101,550
$48.82/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-24.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $187K
6K employed in Kentucky
Lawyer salary in Kentucky averages $101,550 per year, with approximately 5,770 legal professionals currently employed throughout the state. However, Kentucky's median salary falls about 25% below the national average for lawyers, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations compared to other states.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, practice area specialization, and firm size. Attorneys in larger urban centers like Louisville and Lexington typically earn more than those in rural areas, while specialized fields such as corporate law command higher compensation than general practice. Geographical location within the state remains one of the most significant determinants of earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,010 |
| 25th percentile | $78,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,550 |
| 75th percentile | $149,120 |
| 90th percentile | $187,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,540 |
| 2023 | $84,800 |
| 2024 | $102,670 |
| 2025 | $101,550 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,550 |
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 | $82,540 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $84,800 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $102,670 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $101,550 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,550 | $134,712 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,550 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $149,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $187,180 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Lawyer ($101,550 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in KY | $59,830 | -41.1% | $28.76/hr |
| Title Examiner in KY | $52,860 | -47.9% | $25.41/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | -0.5% | $48.58/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | -0.6% | $48.52/hr |
| Physical Therapist in KY | $100,710 | -0.8% | $48.42/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | -0.9% | $48.38/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in KY | $103,450 | +1.9% | $49.74/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in KY | $103,630 | +2.0% | $49.82/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in KY | $103,740 | +2.2% | $49.88/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | -2.4% | $47.66/hr |
| Veterinarian in KY | $104,100 | +2.5% | $50.05/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -3.0% | $47.38/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for lawyers in Kentucky is $101,550 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is 24.6% below the national average for lawyers, making Kentucky a lower-paying state for this profession.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Kentucky?
- Lawyer salaries in Kentucky range from $63,010 at the lower end to $187,180 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice settings across the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 5,770 lawyers currently employed in Kentucky, representing a substantial legal workforce across the state.
Is being a lawyer in Kentucky paid less than the national average?
- Yes, lawyers in Kentucky earn 24.6% less than the national average, with Kentucky's median of $101,550 annually falling notably below the national median for the profession.