Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Kentucky
Aerospace Engineers in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $127,580, which is below the national average of $141,460. This differential is largely influenced by the state's specific economic landscape and demand for specialized aerospace talent, which is less concentrated than in other regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $127,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $174,420.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 210 Aerospace Engineers, Kentucky presents a niche but stable job market. The location quotient of 0.23 indicates a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting that while the overall number is modest, opportunities may exist for those seeking to enter or advance within this specialized field in the state.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in Kentucky earns-9.8%below the national average.
$61.3
$2,453
$10,632
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kentucky's Aerospace Engineers is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this high-demand sector have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is driven by technological advancements, increased investment in aerospace manufacturing, and a persistent need for skilled engineering professionals across the industry.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Kentucky
Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in Kentucky, as elsewhere, is significantly tied to experience and expertise. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive project management skills and specialized knowledge can expect to earn substantially more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the steep learning curve and the increasing value placed on seasoned professionals in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $95,970 | $46.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $95,685 | $46 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $117,660 | $56.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $159,475 | $76.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $174,420 | $83.9 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$127,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$142,071
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The nominal average salary of $127,580 in Kentucky offers a favorable purchasing power due to the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the earned income can potentially cover more goods and services locally compared to higher cost-of-living areas, making the effective financial benefit of the salary higher than a simple comparison might suggest.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.103
Per 1K Jobs
0.23
Location Quotient
At 0.23x, Kentucky has a notably lower concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
Kentucky's location quotient of 0.23 for Aerospace Engineers signifies a market with less than a quarter of the national average concentration of these professionals. This suggests a less saturated job market, potentially offering unique opportunities for skilled individuals. While the overall number of jobs per 1,000 workers is low at 0.103, this can translate to less competition for available roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Aerospace Engineers Salary | $138,480↑ 9% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Kentucky is $127,580. This typically ranges from $95,970 for entry-level positions to $174,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 9.8% lower than the national median of $141,460.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $127,580 is substantial, it falls short of the national average of $141,460. However, the lower cost of living in Kentucky does enhance the purchasing power of this salary.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN ($138,480) and others.
How does Kentucky's cost of living affect an Aerospace Engineer's salary?
Kentucky's cost of living index of 89.8 means that $127,580 has greater purchasing power than it would in a national average cost-of-living area, effectively making the salary more valuable locally.
What is the concentration of Aerospace Engineers in Kentucky?
The location quotient of 0.23 indicates that Aerospace Engineers are significantly less concentrated in Kentucky compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and less crowded job market.
How many Aerospace Engineers are there in Kentucky?
There are approximately 210 Aerospace Engineers working in Kentucky, representing a small but dedicated segment of the state's technical workforce.
Is the job market for Aerospace Engineers growing in Kentucky?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the presence of a workforce and the general demand for aerospace professionals suggest a stable, albeit niche, job market with potential for growth.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.103 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kentucky