Average Legal Occupations Salary in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Legal professionals in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $84,150. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $143,370, reflecting the economic dynamics and specific industry demands prevalent in nonmetropolitan regions compared to larger urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $84,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 57.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $151,990.
- Outlook: The legal job market in South Central Kentucky is characterized by a modest workforce of 550 professionals. With a location quotient of 0.39, indicating a concentration less than half the national average, demand for legal services in this area is relatively subdued compared to national trends. The 3.224 jobs per 1,000 workers metric further suggests a niche presence for legal occupations within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-41.3%below the national average.
$40.5
$1,618
$7,013
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Legal Occupations in nonmetropolitan areas like South Central Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. However, the rate of this growth may be influenced by local economic factors and the overall demand for legal services in the region, potentially lagging behind faster-growing metropolitan areas.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Within the legal field in South Central Kentucky, salary progression is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior roles, particularly those requiring specialized expertise or extensive experience, will see significant increases. The gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation serves as a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities and the value placed on seasoned legal professionals in the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $37,750 | $18.1 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $63,113 | $30.3 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $63,310 | $30.4 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $105,188 | $50.6 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $151,990 | $73.1 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$84,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $84,150 in South Central Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a legal professional's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the occupation, the cost of living parity suggests that the real value of earnings is comparable to the national standard.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
3.224
Per 1K Jobs
0.39
Location Quotient
At 0.39x, South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Legal Occupations jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A location quotient of 0.39 signifies that Legal Occupations are significantly less concentrated in South Central Kentucky compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for legal professionals in this nonmetropolitan area is not saturated and may present fewer opportunities relative to the overall workforce size when compared to national benchmarks. Professionals seeking employment here might find a less competitive, albeit potentially smaller, job pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Legal Occupations Salary | $96,020↑ 14% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Legal Occupations Salary | $84,080↓ 0% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Legal Occupations Salary | $99,820↑ 19% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Legal Occupations Salary | $119,370↑ 42% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $84,150. This typically ranges from $37,750 for entry-level positions to $151,990 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 41.3% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
No, it is not considered a highly lucrative area for Legal Occupations.The average salary of $84,150 is substantially below the national average, and the job market concentration is less than half the national rate.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Legal 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 ($96,020) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the average legal salary in South Central Kentucky compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Legal Occupations in South Central Kentucky is $84,150, which is considerably lower than the national average of $143,370.
What is the concentration of legal jobs in South Central Kentucky?
The concentration of legal jobs, indicated by a location quotient of 0.39, is less than half the national average, suggesting a lower prevalence of these roles in the region.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
The cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $84,150 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary figure.
What does the workforce size and concentration suggest about job opportunities?
With a total local workforce of 550 and a low location quotient, the legal job market in South Central Kentucky is relatively small and less concentrated than the national average, implying fewer specialized opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.224 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area