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Average Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Kentucky

In Kentucky, professionals in Construction and Extraction Occupations earn an average annual salary of $56,160. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $64,030, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state's construction sector. The localized pay scale is intrinsically linked to the state's economic output and the prevailing wage standards for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $56,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,980.
  • Outlook: Kentucky's construction and extraction sector is supported by a substantial workforce of 72,730 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.88, the industry is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of nearly 36.5 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for skilled labor within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$56,160

The average Construction and Extraction Occupations in Kentucky earns-12.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27

Weekly

$1,080

Monthly

$4,680

Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary Distribution in Kentucky

Career progression within Kentucky's construction and extraction fields significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles clearly signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning capacity.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$35,980$17.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$42,120$20.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,970$24.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$70,200$33.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$81,980$39.4

Detailed Construction and Extraction Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$56,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$62,539

Adjusted for COL (89.8)

The average annual salary of $56,160 in Kentucky's construction and extraction sector offers a reasonable standard of living, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of $56,160 in Kentucky is likely greater than the same amount would be in a higher cost-of-living area, making the nominal salary more attractive.

Job Market Context

72,730

Total Jobs

36.483

Per 1K Jobs

0.88

Location Quotient

Below Average

Kentucky has 0.88x the national average concentration of Construction and Extraction Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.88, Kentucky's construction and extraction industry is slightly underrepresented compared to the national average. This suggests that while the sector is well-established and employs a significant number of workers, there may be opportunities for growth and less intense competition for specialized roles compared to more concentrated national markets. It indicates a balanced market where demand for skilled labor is present but not overwhelmingly saturated.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Construction and Extraction Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Construction and Extraction Occupations make in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for a Construction and Extraction Occupations in Kentucky is $56,160. This typically ranges from $35,980 for entry-level positions to $81,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 12.3% lower than the national median of $64,030.

Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Construction and Extraction Occupations?

No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,160 is below the national average of $64,030, indicating lower nominal earning potential. However, the lower cost of living may offset some of this difference in purchasing power.

Is Kentucky a good place to live for Construction and Extraction Occupations?

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 Lexington-Fayette, KY ($56,150) and Elizabethtown, KY.

How does Kentucky's construction job market compare nationally?

Kentucky's construction and extraction sector has a Location Quotient of 0.88, meaning it's slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market.

What is the average salary for construction jobs in Kentucky?

The average annual salary for Construction and Extraction Occupations in Kentucky is $56,160.

Is the cost of living high in Kentucky for construction workers?

No, Kentucky has a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, which is below the national average of 100, making the nominal salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.

How many people work in construction and extraction in Kentucky?

There are approximately 72,730 individuals employed in Construction and Extraction Occupations in Kentucky.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 72,730 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 36.483 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.