Software Engineer Salary in Kentucky
Based on 2K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$89,420
$42.99/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
-16.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $137K
2K employed in Kentucky
The median software engineer salary in Kentucky is $89,420 per year, which is approximately 16% below the national average. With around 1,850 software engineers employed throughout the state, Kentucky offers a moderate job market for developers. Salaries in this field typically range from $44,980 to $136,990 annually, reflecting the diversity of experience levels and specializations within the profession.
Several factors influence software engineer salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, specific technical skills, and company size. Urban areas like Louisville and Lexington tend to offer higher compensation than rural regions. Additionally, the type of industry, whether tech-focused startups or established corporations, significantly impacts earning potential. Educational background and professional certifications can also contribute to salary variations across the state.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,980 |
| 25th percentile | $60,170 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $89,420 |
| 75th percentile | $115,210 |
| 90th percentile | $136,990 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software 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 | COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS US CORP | 3 | $88,546 |
| 2 | Deloitte Consulting LLP | 3 | $73,237 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software 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 | $74,889 | 16 |
| Level III | Experienced | $88,546 | 8 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Software Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Engineers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | 27K |
| Information | $131,720 | 48K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | 25K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | 98K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | 124K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,120 |
| 2023 | $85,570 |
| 2024 | $90,380 |
| 2025 | $89,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,420 |
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 | $81,120 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $85,570 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $90,380 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $89,420 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $89,420 | $106,671 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,170 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $89,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $115,210 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $136,990 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Software Engineer ($89,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in KY | $140,360 | +57.0% | $67.48/hr |
| Database Administrator in KY | $125,400 | +40.2% | $60.29/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in KY | $116,200 | +29.9% | $55.87/hr |
| Statistician in KY | $112,520 | +25.8% | $54.10/hr |
| Software Developer in KY | $109,010 | +21.9% | $52.41/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in KY | $103,740 | +16.0% | $49.88/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in KY | $103,630 | +15.9% | $49.82/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in KY | $95,090 | +6.3% | $45.72/hr |
| Computer Programmer in KY | $94,850 | +6.1% | $45.60/hr |
| Data Scientist in KY | $91,760 | +2.6% | $44.12/hr |
| Network Administrator in KY | $87,020 | -2.7% | $41.84/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in KY | $83,850 | -6.2% | $40.31/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for software engineers in Kentucky is $89,420 per year, or $43 per hour. This is approximately 16.2% below the national average for the same role.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Kentucky?
- Software engineer salaries in Kentucky range from $44,980 at the lower end to $136,990 at the higher end, depending on experience level and specific job qualifications.
How many software engineers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 1,850 software engineers currently employed in Kentucky, based on the latest employment data.
Is a software engineer salary in Kentucky competitive compared to the national average?
- Kentucky software engineer salaries are 16.2% below the national average, with a median of $89,420 annually compared to higher averages in other states. However, this difference should be considered alongside Kentucky's cost of living.