Middle School Teacher Salary in Kentucky
Based on 8K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$61,120
$29.38/hr
vs National Average
$68,569
-10.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $80K
8K employed in Kentucky
Middle school teachers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $61,120 per year, with approximately 8,040 educators working in this role across the state. This figure falls about 11% below the national average for middle school teachers, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in Kentucky typically range from $46,270 at the entry level to $79,650 for experienced educators.
Several factors influence middle school teacher salary in Kentucky, including years of classroom experience, educational credentials, and district funding levels. Teachers with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often command higher compensation. Geographic location within the state, school district resources, and state budget allocations also play significant roles in determining individual pay scales. Rural and urban districts may offer different salary structures based on their financial capacity.
Salary Distribution — Middle School Teacher in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,270 |
| 25th percentile | $48,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,120 |
| 75th percentile | $65,150 |
| 90th percentile | $79,650 |
Top-Paying Industries for Middle School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Middle School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Middle School Teachers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $65,240 | — |
| Educational Services | $64,390 | 619K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $58,330 | 560 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $54,370 | 290 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Middle School Teacher in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,340 |
| 2023 | $59,560 |
| 2024 | $58,850 |
| 2025 | $61,120 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,478 |
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 | $57,340 | $62,704 |
| 2023 | $59,560 | $65,652 |
| 2024 | $58,850 | $65,433 |
| 2025 | $61,120 | $68,569 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,478 | $71,214 |
Middle School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,120 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,650 |
Middle School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Middle School Teacher Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Middle School Teacher ($61,120 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Middle School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian in KY | $65,200 | +6.7% | $31.35/hr |
| School Counselor in KY | $64,350 | +5.3% | $30.94/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in KY | $63,640 | +4.1% | $30.60/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in KY | $61,560 | +0.7% | $29.60/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | -0.8% | $29.14/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | -1.4% | $28.98/hr |
| Tutor in KY | $39,990 | -34.6% | $19.23/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | -0.4% | $29.27/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in KY | $61,390 | +0.4% | $29.51/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in KY | $61,480 | +0.6% | $29.56/hr |
| Police Officer in KY | $60,490 | -1.0% | $29.08/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in KY | $60,460 | -1.1% | $29.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do middle school teachers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for middle school teachers in Kentucky is $61,120 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is about 10.9% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for middle school teachers in Kentucky?
- Middle school teacher salaries in Kentucky range from $46,270 at the lower end to $79,650 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, education, and district location.
How many middle school teachers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 8,040 middle school teachers currently employed in Kentucky, representing the job market size in the state.
Is the Kentucky middle school teacher salary higher or lower than the national average?
- Kentucky's median middle school teacher salary of $61,120 is 10.9% lower than the national average, making it a below-average paying state for this profession.