In the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area, Social and Human Service Assistants earn an average annual salary of $37,560. This figure is notably below the national average of $45,460, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for these specialized roles compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this region directly influence compensation levels for these vital community positions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,930.
- Outlook: The job market for Social and Human Service Assistants in South Central Kentucky, with a total local workforce of 370, indicates a modest presence within the regional employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average, implying a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. While the workforce size is not substantial, the consistent need for these services ensures ongoing opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Social and Human Service Assistants in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-17.4%below the national average.
$18.1
$722
$3,130
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Social and Human Service Assistants across the nation, including in regions like South Central Kentucky, have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for social services, and a greater recognition of the value these professionals bring to communities, leading to modest but consistent salary increases.
Social and Human Service Assistants Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Social and Human Service Assistants typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of dedicated service can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the tangible rewards of accumulating expertise, taking on more complex cases, and potentially moving into supervisory or specialized roles within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $27,820 | $13.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $28,170 | $13.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $34,920 | $16.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $46,950 | $22.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $49,930 | $24 |
Detailed Social and Human Service Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal salary of $37,560 in South Central Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average for this role, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, individuals relocating to this area can expect their earnings to cover expenses at a comparable rate to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
2.181
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.79x the national average concentration of Social and Human Service Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the market for Social and Human Service Assistants in South Central Kentucky is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant sector within the local economy. Consequently, job seekers might find fewer openings compared to highly concentrated areas, but the competition for available positions could also be less intense.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Social and Human Service Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $39,730↑ 6% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $37,690↑ 0% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $43,300↑ 15% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Social and Human Service Assistants Salary | $43,540↑ 16% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Social and Human Service Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Social and Human Service Assistants make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Social and Human Service Assistants in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $37,560. This typically ranges from $27,820 for entry-level positions to $49,930 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 17.4% lower than the national median of $45,460.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Social and Human Service Assistants?
No, it is not considered a particularly lucrative area.The average salary of $37,560 is significantly lower than the national average, and while the cost of living is average, the overall compensation does not reflect a high-earning potential for this role.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Social and Human Service Assistants?
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 ($39,730) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 370 indicates a smaller, more niche job market. While this can mean fewer overall positions, it also suggests a stable demand for essential services within the community.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.79 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies that the profession is less prevalent in South Central Kentucky compared to the national average. This implies a steady but not booming job market for Social and Human Service Assistants.
How does the cost of living impact the $37,560 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $37,560 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services is also at the national average.
Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in South Central Kentucky?
With 2.181 jobs per 1,000 workers, this role represents a small but consistent part of the local employment landscape, indicating a stable need for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.181 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Social and Human Service Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area