Average Highway Maintenance Workers Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Highway Maintenance Workers in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,170. This figure significantly trails the national average of $50,740, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized infrastructure roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and funding priorities of the region play a crucial role in determining compensation levels for these essential workers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $40,470.
- Outlook: The East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 290 Highway Maintenance Workers. With a Location Quotient of 3.21, this indicates a concentration of these jobs significantly above the national average, suggesting a specialized regional demand for this profession. The presence of 3.16 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the relative importance of this role within the local employment ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Highway Maintenance Workers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-32.7%below the national average.
$16.4
$657
$2,848
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche role in East Kentucky is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns in infrastructure maintenance. Increased investment in road upkeep and potential inflation adjustments likely contribute to modest, yet consistent, upward pressure on wages for Highway Maintenance Workers.
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Highway Maintenance Workers typically correlates with experience and acquired skills. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career advancement opportunities, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,180 | $13.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $25,628 | $12.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $33,580 | $16.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $42,713 | $20.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $40,470 | $19.5 |
Detailed Highway Maintenance Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a nominal average salary of $34,170 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Highway Maintenance Workers in East Kentucky will find their earnings align closely with the national cost of goods and services. This means that while the absolute salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is not disproportionately diminished by higher living expenses within the region.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
3.16
Per 1K Jobs
3.21
Location Quotient
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 3.2x 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.
The Location Quotient of 3.21 for Highway Maintenance Workers in East Kentucky is a strong indicator of a specialized and concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these workers is more than three times higher relative to the national average, implying a robust need for their services within the region's infrastructure maintenance framework. While this concentration points to opportunity, it also means the local market is highly specific.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Highway Maintenance Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $40,660↑ 19% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $36,170↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $45,090↑ 32% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $50,380↑ 47% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Highway Maintenance Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Highway Maintenance Workers make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Highway Maintenance Workers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $34,170. This typically ranges from $28,180 for entry-level positions to $40,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 32.7% lower than the national median of $50,740.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Highway Maintenance Workers?
No, it is not a lucrative place compared to the national average.Highway Maintenance Workers in East Kentucky earn significantly less than the national average, despite a cost of living that matches the national benchmark. The lower salary indicates less financial advantage despite the concentrated job market.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Highway Maintenance Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East 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 East Kentucky compare nationally?
The Location Quotient of 3.21 indicates that Highway Maintenance Workers are significantly more concentrated in East Kentucky than the national average, suggesting a higher relative demand for this profession in the region.
What is the job outlook for Highway Maintenance Workers in this area?
With a substantial Location Quotient and a steady number of jobs per 1,000 workers, the job outlook appears stable, with a clear regional emphasis on this role for infrastructure upkeep.
Does the cost of living affect the Highway Maintenance Worker salary in East Kentucky?
While the nominal salary is lower, the Cost of Living Index being at the national average means the $34,170 salary has comparable purchasing power to a higher nominal salary in a more expensive region.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.21 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.21 signifies that this area has a disproportionately high number of Highway Maintenance Worker jobs compared to the national average, potentially offering more specialized opportunities within this field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.16 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 East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area