Average Salary in Kentucky

State of United States · Data verified 2026-01-01

Minimum wage

$7.25 /hr

Average salary $3,900 /mo

Matches United States national rate #42 of 56 state Since 2009-07-24

With a population of 4.6 million, Kentucky is a state of United States whose economy centers on automotive manufacturing and bourbon distilling. The state follows the national minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Workers earn an average gross salary of $3,900 per month. The cost of living is 10% below the national average. The median household income is $60,407 per year.

• AT A GLANCE

Rank: #42 of 56; state
vs National: =; United States floor
Annual (est.): $15,080; full-time, before tax
Change Since 2018: +0%; nominal wage

Wage Breakdown

Hourly: $7.25
Monthly: $1,256.64 Based on 173.33 hours/month (40 hrs/week)
Annual: $15,080 Based on 2,080 hours/year

Kentucky's minimum wage matches the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. The state minimum wage law (KRS 337.275) sets the rate at $7.25/hr. Kentucky has not enacted a state increase above the federal floor since 2009.

At this rate, a full-time worker earns approximately $15,080 /yr before tax. Whether that covers living costs depends on local prices. See United States purchasing power context.