In the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $42,910. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $41,160, suggesting a localized demand or specific industry characteristics that influence compensation. The relatively stable pay, even in a nonmetropolitan setting, points to the essential nature of these roles within the regional economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 41.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,150.
- Outlook: The Farming, Fishing, and Forestry sector in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area supports a workforce of 340 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.69, the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, indicating a niche but present employment landscape. The rate of 1.964 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the sector's footprint, suggesting steady, albeit not overwhelmingly dominant, employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns+4.3%above the national average.
$20.6
$825
$3,576
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Central Kentucky have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. Increases in operational costs, technological adoption, and the persistent demand for agricultural and natural resource products likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, ensuring that compensation keeps pace with the evolving industry landscape.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the value placed on expertise, leadership, and a proven track record within this hands-on industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,280 | $13.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $32,183 | $15.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $38,840 | $18.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $53,638 | $25.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $56,150 | $27 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$42,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $42,910 in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is effectively equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents. Individuals relocating to this region can expect their earnings to cover typical expenses without the added burden of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
1.964
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.69x the national average concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.69 for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Central Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area indicates that this sector is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a more stable environment for those already established in the field. It implies that employers may value specialized skills and experience due to the lower overall prevalence of these roles compared to national benchmarks.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,490↓ 3% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,020↓ 4% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $40,060↓ 7% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $41,390↓ 4% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $42,910. This typically ranges from $28,280 for entry-level positions to $56,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 4.3% higher than the national median of $41,160.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
Moderately lucrative, with a slight edge over the national average.The average salary of $42,910 is slightly higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par, offering good purchasing power. However, the below-average concentration (LQ of 0.69) suggests a more niche market.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($41,490) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 340 in this sector suggests a stable, established presence. While not a massive market, it indicates consistent demand for these specialized roles within the region.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.69 signify?
A Location Quotient of 0.69 means that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are less common in South Central Kentucky compared to the national average. This could mean less competition but also potentially fewer job openings than in more concentrated areas.
How does the cost of living affect the $42,910 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $42,910 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This indicates that the salary is well-aligned with the local economic conditions for maintaining a standard of living.
Are there many Farming, Fishing, and Forestry jobs per capita in this area?
With 1.964 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of these occupations is relatively low, reflecting the below-average concentration indicated by the Location Quotient. This suggests these roles are a smaller but integral part of the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.964 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area