Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 4K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$101,050
$48.58/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-4.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $140K
4K employed in Kentucky
Mechanical engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $101,050 per year, with approximately 4,170 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure falls about 4% below the national average, though it remains a competitive wage for the region. The salary range spans from $65,370 to $139,810 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence mechanical engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and employer size. Engineers working in specialized manufacturing or aerospace sectors typically command higher compensation than those in general engineering roles. Geographic location within the state, specific technical skills, and professional certifications also play important roles in determining individual earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,370 |
| 25th percentile | $80,350 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,050 |
| 75th percentile | $120,690 |
| 90th percentile | $139,810 |
Top H-1B Employers for Mechanical Engineer in Kentucky
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Kentucky — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS INC. | 4 | $148,207 |
| 2 | TECH MAHINDRA (AMERICAS), INC | 3 | $87,901 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Mechanical Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Kentucky
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Kentucky.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level II | Qualified | $87,901 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,350 |
| 2023 | $95,820 |
| 2024 | $99,410 |
| 2025 | $101,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,717 |
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 | $80,350 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $95,820 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $99,410 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $101,050 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,717 | $107,155 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,350 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $120,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $139,810 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Mechanical Engineer ($101,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in KY | $147,680 | +46.1% | $71.00/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in KY | $126,130 | +24.8% | $60.64/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in KY | $117,170 | +16.0% | $56.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in KY | $107,520 | +6.4% | $51.69/hr |
| Civil Engineer in KY | $100,930 | -0.1% | $48.52/hr |
| Materials Engineer in KY | $100,620 | -0.4% | $48.38/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in KY | $98,550 | -2.5% | $47.38/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in KY | $96,820 | -4.2% | $46.55/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in KY | $95,360 | -5.6% | $45.85/hr |
| Physical Therapist in KY | $100,710 | -0.3% | $48.42/hr |
| Lawyer in KY | $101,550 | +0.5% | $48.82/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | -1.9% | $47.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for mechanical engineers in Kentucky is $101,050 per year, or approximately $49 per hour. This is about 4.1% lower than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Kentucky?
- Mechanical engineer salaries in Kentucky range from $65,370 at the lower end to $139,810 at the higher end. This wide range typically reflects differences in experience, education, and specialization.
Is the mechanical engineering salary in Kentucky competitive?
- While Kentucky's median mechanical engineer salary of $101,050 is slightly below the national average by 4.1%, it remains a solid income in the state. With over 4,170 mechanical engineers employed in Kentucky, the profession offers stable career opportunities.
How many mechanical engineers work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 4,170 mechanical engineers currently employed in Kentucky. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's engineering sector.