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Average Highway Maintenance Workers Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Highway Maintenance Workers in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $33,940. 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 cost of living in this area aligns with the national average, suggesting that while nominal wages are lower, purchasing power may be relatively stable.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $33,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $39,600.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Highway Maintenance Workers in South Central Kentucky is characterized by a workforce of 310 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.85 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, suggesting a relatively robust demand or a specialized regional need for this profession within the nonmetropolitan landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$33,940

The average Highway Maintenance Workers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-33.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$16.3

Weekly

$653

Monthly

$2,828

Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Career progression for Highway Maintenance Workers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions often signify these levels of experience and expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$27,440$13.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$25,455$12.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$33,580$16.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$42,425$20.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$39,600$19

Detailed Highway Maintenance Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$33,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$33,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $33,940 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Highway Maintenance Workers in South Central Kentucky experience a nominal income that is directly comparable to national purchasing power. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living means the real value of their earnings is not disproportionately diminished by local expenses.

Job Market Context

310

Total Jobs

1.817

Per 1K Jobs

1.85

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 1.9x 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 1.85 for Highway Maintenance Workers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area signifies a notable concentration of this occupation compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is relatively more specialized or in higher demand per capita than in many other regions, potentially offering more opportunities for those in the field.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Highway Maintenance Workers

Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Highway Maintenance Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Highway Maintenance Workers make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Highway Maintenance Workers in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $33,940. This typically ranges from $27,440 for entry-level positions to $39,600 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 33.1% lower than the national median of $50,740.

Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Highway Maintenance Workers?

No, it is not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $33,940 is substantially lower than the national average of $50,740, although the cost of living is at the national average.

Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Highway Maintenance Workers?

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 ($40,660) and Elizabethtown, KY.

How does the local concentration of Highway Maintenance Workers compare nationally?

The Location Quotient of 1.85 indicates that Highway Maintenance Workers are nearly twice as concentrated in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area as they are nationally, suggesting a higher prevalence of these jobs in the region.

What is the total number of Highway Maintenance Workers in this region?

There are approximately 310 Highway Maintenance Workers employed in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the job availability compare to the national average?

With 1.817 jobs per 1,000 workers, the availability is higher than the national average, aligning with the high Location Quotient and indicating a stronger local presence of this occupation.

Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in South Central Kentucky?

Since the Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average, the nominal salary of $33,940 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning local expenses do not inflate or deflate the real value of the salary significantly.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.817 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.