Secondary School Teacher Salary in Kentucky
Based on 13K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$61,560
$29.60/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
-12.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $83K
13K employed in Kentucky
Secondary school teachers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $61,560 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 12,780 teachers employed across the state, this represents a significant portion of Kentucky's education workforce. However, the secondary school teacher salary in Kentucky falls approximately 13 percent below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and state funding structures.
Several factors influence secondary school teacher salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific subject matter expertise. Geographic location within the state, school district resources, and whether positions are in rural or urban areas also play important roles in compensation. Teachers typically see salary growth as they advance through their careers, with experienced educators earning substantially more than their entry-level counterparts within the state's range of $47,130 to $83,310 annually.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,130 |
| 25th percentile | $49,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,560 |
| 75th percentile | $75,290 |
| 90th percentile | $83,310 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary School Teachers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,600 |
| 2023 | $62,040 |
| 2024 | $60,420 |
| 2025 | $61,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,722 |
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 | $59,600 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $62,040 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $60,420 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $61,560 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,722 | $71,753 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,290 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,310 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Secondary School Teacher ($61,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian in KY | $65,200 | +5.9% | $31.35/hr |
| School Counselor in KY | $64,350 | +4.5% | $30.94/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in KY | $63,640 | +3.4% | $30.60/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KY | $61,120 | -0.7% | $29.38/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | -1.5% | $29.14/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | -2.1% | $28.98/hr |
| Tutor in KY | $39,990 | -35.0% | $19.23/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in KY | $61,480 | -0.1% | $29.56/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in KY | $61,390 | -0.3% | $29.51/hr |
| Loan Officer in KY | $62,090 | +0.9% | $29.85/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | -1.1% | $29.27/hr |
| Police Officer in KY | $60,490 | -1.7% | $29.08/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do secondary school teachers make in Kentucky?
- Secondary school teachers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $61,560 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. This is 12.6% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for high school teachers in Kentucky?
- Secondary school teachers in Kentucky have a salary range between $47,130 and $83,310 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and school district.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 12,780 secondary school teachers currently employed in Kentucky.
Is teaching in Kentucky paid less than the national average?
- Yes, secondary school teachers in Kentucky earn 12.6% less than the national average, with a median salary of $61,560 compared to higher-paying states.