Average Highway Maintenance Workers Salary in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Highway Maintenance Workers in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,240. This figure significantly trails the national average of $50,740, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized infrastructure roles outside major urban centers. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the specific economic landscape and cost of living within this nonmetropolitan region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,240 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,500.
- Outlook: The Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 390 Highway Maintenance Workers. With a Location Quotient of 2.27, this region exhibits a concentration of these roles more than double the national average, indicating a robust and specialized local demand for this profession. The presence of 2.237 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the relative abundance and importance of these positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Highway Maintenance Workers in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-28.6%below the national average.
$17.4
$697
$3,020
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Highway Maintenance Workers in Central Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general economic trends and inflation. Increases in infrastructure investment and the ongoing need for road upkeep likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation for these essential roles.
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Highway Maintenance Workers typically involves a noticeable salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the financial rewards associated with accumulating years of experience and advancing through the ranks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,560 | $14.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $27,180 | $13.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,740 | $17.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $45,300 | $21.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $44,500 | $21.4 |
Detailed Highway Maintenance Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,240
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,240
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $36,240 in Central Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the comparable cost of living, making the financial proposition neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
2.237
Per 1K Jobs
2.27
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x the national concentration of Highway Maintenance Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.27 strongly suggests that Highway Maintenance Worker roles are significantly more concentrated in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market where employers may rely on a stable, local talent pool. While the concentration points to demand, the relatively smaller total workforce size suggests that opportunities might be more niche compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Highway Maintenance Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $40,660↑ 12% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $36,170↓ 0% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $45,090↑ 24% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $50,380↑ 39% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Highway Maintenance Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Highway Maintenance Workers make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Highway Maintenance Workers in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $36,240. This typically ranges from $29,560 for entry-level positions to $44,500 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 28.6% lower than the national median of $50,740.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Highway Maintenance Workerss?
No, it is not a lucrative place compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,240 is substantially lower than the national average of $50,740. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary's purchasing power is similar.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Highway Maintenance Workers?
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 ($40,660) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the concentration of Highway Maintenance Workers in Central Kentucky compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 2.27 indicates that Highway Maintenance Workers are more than twice as concentrated in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand or availability of these jobs locally.
What is the total number of Highway Maintenance Workers in this region?
There are approximately 390 Highway Maintenance Workers employed in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Central Kentucky?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles and specialized skills commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.
How does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Central Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower nominal wage is balanced by lower living expenses relative to the national standard.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.237 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Highway Maintenance Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area