Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $66,700. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,550, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different industry focus. The localized demand and the specific needs of the area's environmental sector likely contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,860.
- Outlook: The Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of approximately 400 Environmental Scientists and Specialists. With a Location Quotient of 4.21, this profession is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, indicating a robust local demand and a specialized job market for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-27.1%below the national average.
$32.1
$1,283
$5,558
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Central Kentucky have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increasing environmental regulations typically drive up demand and compensation for these roles, suggesting a positive trajectory for earnings in this field.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Environmental Scientists and Specialists typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile of the $66,700 average, while senior roles with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of the career ladder and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $47,130 | $22.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $50,025 | $24.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,990 | $33.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $83,375 | $40.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $84,860 | $40.8 |
Detailed Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,700 in Central Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of an Environmental Scientist's income in this region is equivalent to that of their counterparts in a typical U.S. location, offering stable financial stability.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
2.321
Per 1K Jobs
4.21
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 4.2x the national concentration of Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.21 for Environmental Scientists and Specialists in Central Kentucky signifies a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is more than four times the national average relative to the overall workforce, making it a potentially competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $66,700. This typically ranges from $47,130 for entry-level positions to $84,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 27.1% lower than the national median of $91,550.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
No, not in terms of nominal salary compared to the national average.While the salary of $66,700 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained. The high concentration of jobs indicates strong local demand.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Healths?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($77,180) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the local concentration of Environmental Scientists compare to the national average?
The Location Quotient of 4.21 indicates that Environmental Scientists and Specialists are over four times more concentrated in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area than the national average, signifying a specialized and in-demand local market.
What is the total number of Environmental Scientists employed in this region?
The Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area employs approximately 400 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health.
Does the Cost of Living in Central Kentucky affect the value of the $66,700 salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $66,700 salary has the same purchasing power in Central Kentucky as the national average salary would have across the U.S.
Are there many job opportunities for Environmental Scientists in this area?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 4.21 suggests a strong local demand and a significant presence of Environmental Scientist roles relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.321 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area