Average Highway Maintenance Workers Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Highway Maintenance Workers in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,080. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $50,740. The localized pay reflects the economic conditions and demand specific to this nonmetropolitan region, where labor costs and the scale of infrastructure projects may differ significantly from urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,080 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,360.
- Outlook: The West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 320 Highway Maintenance Workers. With a Location Quotient of 2.5, this indicates a concentration of these roles that is 2.5 times higher than the national average. This strong concentration suggests a robust and potentially growing demand for these essential services within the region, signaling a stable job market for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Highway Maintenance Workers in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-28.9%below the national average.
$17.4
$694
$3,007
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 the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area have seen 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.
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Highway Maintenance Workers typically involves a salary increase with accumulated experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower wages, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory responsibilities can expect significantly higher earnings. The salary distribution, often visualized through percentiles, clearly illustrates this upward mobility, with senior roles commanding substantially more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $29,160 | $14 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $27,060 | $13 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,870 | $17.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $45,100 | $21.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $44,360 | $21.3 |
Detailed Highway Maintenance Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,080
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,080
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $36,080 in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a Highway Maintenance Worker's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a worker earning the national average salary in a location with average living costs. Therefore, the lower nominal wage does not necessarily translate to a reduced standard of living locally.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
2.456
Per 1K Jobs
2.5
Location Quotient
West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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 2.5 for Highway Maintenance Workers in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area signifies a substantial regional specialization. This high concentration indicates that these roles are disproportionately represented compared to the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence and potentially higher demand relative to the available workforce. This could translate to more job opportunities and potentially greater job security for those in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Highway Maintenance Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $40,660↑ 13% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $36,170↑ 0% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $45,090↑ 25% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $50,380↑ 40% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Highway Maintenance Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Highway Maintenance Workers make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Highway Maintenance Workers in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $36,080. This typically ranges from $29,160 for entry-level positions to $44,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 28.9% lower than the national median of $50,740.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Highway Maintenance Workers?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.While the nominal average salary of $36,080 is below the national average, the Cost of Living Index is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable. However, the high concentration of jobs suggests strong regional demand.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Highway Maintenance Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($40,660) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Highway Maintenance Workers in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $36,080, which is significantly lower than the national average of $50,740.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 2.5?
An LQ of 2.5 means that Highway Maintenance Worker jobs are 2.5 times more concentrated in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area than in the nation as a whole, indicating strong regional demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in West Kentucky?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal salary, the purchasing power of a Highway Maintenance Worker's earnings in West Kentucky is comparable to the national average.
What is the total workforce size for this role in the area?
There are approximately 320 Highway Maintenance Workers employed in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.456 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 West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area