verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Chemical Engineer Salary in Kentucky

Median Annual in Kentucky
$117,170/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$56.33/hr
▼ 6% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Kentucky

groups Employed in KY
190
public U.S. Median
$125,040
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$129,959 #11 of 41

Chemical Engineer pay in Kentucky, explained

Chemical engineers in Kentucky earn a median of $117,170 per year ($56.33 per hour), which is 6% below the national median of $125,040. Entry-level workers earn around $89,040, while the most experienced chemical engineers reach about $161,500. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Kentucky.

Is $117,170 good pay in Kentucky?

Adjusted for Kentucky's cost of living (which runs 90% of the U.S. average), that $117,170 is worth about $129,959 in national buying power — ranking Kentucky #11 for real pay (vs #19 on the sticker number).

See the full Chemical Engineer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Chemical Engineer pay by experience in Kentucky

Entry level (10th pct)
$89,040
$42.81/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$117,170
$56.33/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$161,500
$77.64/hr

Chemical Engineer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs KY
Kentucky (here) $117,170 $129,959
Virginia $136,380 $134,891 −$19,210
West Virginia $129,210 $144,374 −$12,040
Illinois $121,560 $121,611 −$4,390
Indiana $113,160 $121,248 +$4,010
Ohio $111,200 $119,861 +$5,970
Missouri $102,320 $112,666 +$14,850

Chemical Engineer in Kentucky: FAQ

How much do chemical engineers make in Kentucky?

Chemical engineers in Kentucky earn a median of $117,170 per year ($56.33 per hour), compared with $125,040 nationally.

Does Kentucky pay chemical engineers well?

At $117,170, Kentucky pays 6% below the national median for chemical engineers. An estimated 190 work in the state.

Chemical Engineer salary in other states

All 41 states ranked arrow_forward

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