Materials Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 280+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$100,620
$48.38/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
-7.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $133K
280 employed in Kentucky
Materials Engineer salary in Kentucky averages $100,620 annually, positioning the state slightly below the national average at 8% lower compensation. Approximately 280 materials engineers work throughout Kentucky, reflecting moderate demand for this specialized technical role. Salaries in the state typically range from $84,610 to $132,800 depending on individual qualifications and employer needs.
Several factors influence Materials Engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and company size. Engineers in larger metropolitan areas or those working for aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing firms often command higher compensation. Additionally, advanced certifications, specialized technical skills, and leadership responsibilities can significantly impact earning potential for professionals in this field.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,610 |
| 25th percentile | $96,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,620 |
| 75th percentile | $119,280 |
| 90th percentile | $132,800 |
Top-Paying Industries for Materials Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Materials Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | 6K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | 130 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,700 |
| 2023 | $99,830 |
| 2024 | $105,090 |
| 2025 | $100,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,620 |
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 | $98,700 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $99,830 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $105,090 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $100,620 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,620 | $108,868 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $119,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,800 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Materials Engineer ($100,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in KY | $147,680 | +46.8% | $71.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in KY | $126,130 | +25.4% | $60.64/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in KY | $117,170 | +16.4% | $56.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in KY | $107,520 | +6.9% | $51.69/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in KY | $101,050 | +0.4% | $48.58/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | +0.3% | $48.52/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -2.1% | $47.38/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in KY | $96,820 | -3.8% | $46.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -5.2% | $45.85/hr |
| Physical Therapist in KY | $100,710 | +0.1% | $48.42/hr |
| Lawyer in KY | $101,550 | +0.9% | $48.82/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | -1.5% | $47.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in Kentucky?
- Materials engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $100,620 per year, or $48 per hour. This is about 7.6% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in Kentucky?
- Materials engineer salaries in Kentucky range from $84,610 at the lower end to $132,800 at the higher end, depending on experience and employer.
Is materials engineer a good paying job in Kentucky?
- Yes, materials engineering is well-compensated in Kentucky with a median salary of $100,620 annually. While this is slightly below the national average, it remains a solid six-figure income for the state.
How many materials engineers work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 280 materials engineers currently employed in Kentucky, representing the total workforce in this field across the state.