Kentucky ranks 28th of 51 states and D.C. for mechanical engineers pay, trailing top-paying New Mexico ($141,490) by $42,080 — a 42% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $71,080 to $139,600 — a $68,520 spread, 26% tighter than the national $92,500 range.
Kentucky employs roughly 1.1% of all mechanical engineers in the country (3,050 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $71,080 | $34.17 |
| 25th percentile | $80,970 | $38.93 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $99,410 | $47.79 |
| 75th percentile | $120,470 | $57.92 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $139,600 | $67.12 |
| Mean (average) | $103,340 | $49.68 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $99,410 | n/a |
| New Mexico | $141,490 | +42% |
| District of Columbia | $130,000 | +31% |
| Alaska | $129,990 | +31% |
| California | $126,370 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $122,670 | +23% |
| Wyoming | $116,910 | +18% |
| Rhode Island | $115,270 | +16% |
| Louisiana | $114,050 | +15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Managers | $99,620 | 2,330 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $100,110 | 2,550 |
| Civil Engineers | $100,200 | 3,040 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $100,260 | 8,000 |
| Information Security Analysts | $98,210 | 1,790 |
| Veterinarians | $98,210 | 1,250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineers salary in Kentucky?
The mean mechanical engineers salary in Kentucky is $103,340 per year. The median (middle) salary is $99,410 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Kentucky?
Entry-level mechanical engineerss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $71,080 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $80,970 per year.
What is the highest Mechanical Engineers salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $139,600 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $120,470 per year.
How does the Kentucky Mechanical Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median mechanical engineers salary in Kentucky is $99,410, which is -3% below national average of $102,320.