Project Management Specialist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 10K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$81,700
$39.28/hr
vs National Average
$98,716
-17.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $132K
10K employed in Kentucky
The Project Management Specialist salary in Kentucky has a median of $81,700 per year, with approximately 10,250 professionals currently employed in the state. This median falls 17% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in this field typically range from $52,090 to $131,670 annually, depending on individual circumstances and employer factors.
Several elements influence Project Management Specialist compensation throughout Kentucky. Experience level, educational background, and professional certifications like PMP or CAPM significantly impact earning potential. Additionally, industry type, company size, and geographic location within the state all play important roles in determining salary outcomes. Specialized skills and track record of successful project delivery can also lead to higher compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Project Management Specialist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,090 |
| 25th percentile | $64,130 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,700 |
| 75th percentile | $104,860 |
| 90th percentile | $131,670 |
Top-Paying Industries for Project Management Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Project Management Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Project Management Specialists in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $130,760 | 13K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $126,970 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $124,180 | 51K |
| Finance and Insurance | $120,700 | 48K |
| Information | $116,910 | 50K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Project Management Specialist in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,450 |
| 2023 | $81,180 |
| 2024 | $81,060 |
| 2025 | $81,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,345 |
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 | $79,450 | $87,875 |
| 2023 | $81,180 | $91,777 |
| 2024 | $81,060 | $95,286 |
| 2025 | $81,700 | $98,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,345 | $99,495 |
Project Management Specialist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,130 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,670 |
Project Management Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Project Management Specialist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Project Management Specialist ($81,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Project Management Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in KY | $179,530 | +119.7% | $86.31/hr |
| Marketing Manager in KY | $128,930 | +57.8% | $61.99/hr |
| Sales Manager in KY | $128,650 | +57.5% | $61.85/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in KY | $124,350 | +52.2% | $59.78/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in KY | $121,460 | +48.7% | $58.39/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in KY | $112,750 | +38.0% | $54.21/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in KY | $112,320 | +37.5% | $54.00/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in KY | $112,250 | +37.4% | $53.97/hr |
| Construction Manager in KY | $97,020 | +18.8% | $46.64/hr |
| Management Analyst in KY | $95,630 | +17.1% | $45.98/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in KY | $79,370 | -2.9% | $38.16/hr |
| Human Resources Specialist in KY | $69,010 | -15.5% | $33.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do project management specialists make in Kentucky?
- Project management specialists in Kentucky earn a median salary of $81,700 per year, or $39 per hour. This is 17.2% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for project managers in Kentucky?
- The salary range for project management specialists in Kentucky spans from $52,090 at the lower end to $131,670 at the upper end, depending on experience and qualifications.
How many project management specialist jobs are available in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 10,250 project management specialists currently employed in Kentucky, indicating a substantial job market for this role.
Is the Kentucky project management specialist salary below the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median salary of $81,700 for project management specialists is 17.2% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable market compared to other states.