Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $71,260. This figure is notably below the national average of $89,300, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different demand structure. The specialized nature of OHS roles, combined with local industry needs and the cost of doing business, influences this localized compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,090.
- Outlook: The Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a dedicated workforce of 320 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 1.83, the demand appears stable, though not exceptionally high compared to more industrialized regions. The concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.2, suggests a significant presence of these professionals relative to the national average, pointing to a specialized but established local market.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-20.2%below the national average.
$34.3
$1,370
$5,938
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Central Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased regulatory focus on workplace safety, evolving industry standards, and general economic inflation likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, even in nonmetropolitan settings.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan areas typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, would signify this clear career trajectory from junior to senior OHS roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $45,610 | $21.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,445 | $25.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,690 | $33 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $89,075 | $42.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $104,090 | $50 |
Detailed Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,260
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $71,260 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Central Kentucky aligns directly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that, on paper, the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average. While this offers a stable baseline, it also implies that the salary does not provide a significant cost-of-living advantage over other areas with similar living expenses.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
1.83
Per 1K Jobs
2.2
Location Quotient
Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.2x the national concentration of Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 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 2.2 for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area indicates a strong concentration of these roles relative to the national average. This suggests that the region has a higher proportion of OHS professionals than would be expected based on its general workforce size. This could signify specialized industry needs or a mature market for safety expertise within the area, potentially leading to a competitive job landscape for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $81,950↑ 15% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $76,650↑ 8% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $81,730↑ 15% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Occupational Health and Safety Specialists Salary | $91,000↑ 28% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $71,260. This typically ranges from $45,610 for entry-level positions to $104,090 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 20.2% lower than the national median of $89,300.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $71,260 is significantly lower than the national average of $89,300, although the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists?
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 ($81,950) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the Central Kentucky OHS salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in Central Kentucky is $71,260, which is substantially lower than the national average of $89,300.
What is the concentration of OHS Specialists in Central Kentucky?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.2, indicating that OHS Specialists are more than twice as common in this nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the OHS salary in Central Kentucky?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $71,260 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning there is no significant cost-of-living advantage or disadvantage.
How many OHS Specialists are employed in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 320 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists employed in the Central 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.83 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Health and Safety Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area