Lawyer Salary in Kentucky
Lawyer pay in Kentucky, explained
Lawyers in Kentucky earn a median of $101,550 per year ($48.82 per hour), which is 36% below the national median of $159,670. Entry-level workers earn around $63,010, while the most experienced lawyers reach about $187,180. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Kentucky.
Is $101,550 good pay in Kentucky?
Adjusted for Kentucky's cost of living (which runs 90% of the U.S. average), that $101,550 is worth about $112,634 in national buying power — ranking Kentucky #47 for real pay (vs #48 on the sticker number).
Lawyer pay by experience in Kentucky
Lawyer pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs KY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (here) | $101,550 | $112,634 | — |
| Virginia | $167,210 | $165,384 | −$65,660 |
| Illinois | $160,800 | $160,868 | −$59,250 |
| Tennessee | $136,180 | $148,231 | −$34,630 |
| Missouri | $133,450 | $146,944 | −$31,900 |
| Ohio | $131,020 | $141,225 | −$29,470 |
| Indiana | $126,860 | $135,928 | −$25,310 |
| West Virginia | $102,420 | $114,440 | −$870 |
Lawyer in Kentucky: FAQ
How much do lawyers make in Kentucky?
Lawyers in Kentucky earn a median of $101,550 per year ($48.82 per hour), compared with $159,670 nationally.
Does Kentucky pay lawyers well?
At $101,550, Kentucky pays 36% below the national median for lawyers. An estimated 5,770 work in the state.