Tax Examiner Salary in Kentucky
Based on 690+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$65,690
$31.58/hr
vs National Average
$80,426
-18.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $116K
690 employed in Kentucky
Tax Examiners in Kentucky earn a median salary of $65,690 per year, with approximately 690 workers currently employed in this role throughout the state. This position involves reviewing tax returns, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with state tax regulations. The salary range spans from $47,590 to $115,920 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and specialization within the field.
The tax examiner salary in Kentucky is approximately 18% below the national average, influenced by several factors including regional cost of living, years of experience, and employer type. Government agencies typically offer stable compensation with benefits, while educational background and professional certifications can impact earning potential. Local economic conditions and demand for tax expertise also play significant roles in determining individual compensation within Kentucky's market.
Salary Distribution — Tax Examiner in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,590 |
| 25th percentile | $53,690 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,690 |
| 75th percentile | $88,610 |
| 90th percentile | $115,920 |
Top-Paying Industries for Tax Examiner (U.S.)
Which industries pay Tax Examiners the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Tax Examiners in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $116,460 | 570 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,780 | 10K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $98,710 | 290 |
| Manufacturing | $97,290 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $95,910 | 34K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Tax Examiner in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $58,460 |
| 2023 | $61,080 |
| 2024 | $62,500 |
| 2025 | $65,690 |
| 2026 (projected) | $69,043 |
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 | $58,460 | $72,325 |
| 2023 | $61,080 | $75,516 |
| 2024 | $62,500 | $78,398 |
| 2025 | $65,690 | $80,426 |
| 2026 (projected) | $69,043 | $84,531 |
Tax Examiner Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,690 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,690 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $88,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $115,920 |
Tax Examiner Salary in Other States
Related Tax Examiner Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Tax Examiner ($65,690 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Tax Examiner | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in KY | $130,650 | +98.9% | $62.81/hr |
| Actuary in KY | $120,400 | +83.3% | $57.88/hr |
| Financial Analyst in KY | $81,660 | +24.3% | $39.26/hr |
| Credit Analyst in KY | $79,290 | +20.7% | $38.12/hr |
| Budget Analyst in KY | $76,860 | +17.0% | $36.95/hr |
| Financial Examiner in KY | $76,260 | +16.1% | $36.66/hr |
| Accountant in KY | $75,270 | +14.6% | $36.19/hr |
| Economist in KY | $71,400 | +8.7% | $34.33/hr |
| Compliance Officer in KY | $69,240 | +5.4% | $33.29/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in KY | $67,150 | +2.2% | $32.28/hr |
| Loan Officer in KY | $62,090 | -5.5% | $29.85/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in KY | $60,880 | -7.3% | $29.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tax examiners make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for tax examiners in Kentucky is $65,690 per year, or $32 per hour. This is approximately 18.3% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for tax examiners in Kentucky?
- Tax examiner salaries in Kentucky range from $47,590 at the low end to $115,920 at the high end, representing significant variation based on experience and qualifications.
Is the tax examiner salary in Kentucky competitive?
- Tax examiner salaries in Kentucky are below the national average by 18.3%, with a median of $65,690 annually. However, the position employs 690 people in the state, indicating stable job availability.
What can I expect to earn starting as a tax examiner in Kentucky?
- Entry-level tax examiners in Kentucky can expect to earn around $47,590 per year, while experienced examiners can earn up to $115,920, depending on their level of experience and performance.