Average Software Developers Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Software Developers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, earn an average annual salary of $123,930. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, suggesting a localized market dynamic. Factors such as the regional demand for tech talent and the overall economic landscape of Kentucky likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $123,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $184,290.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,330 Software Developers and a Location Quotient of 0.44, the job market in Lexington-Fayette, KY, indicates a less concentrated presence of these professionals compared to the national average. While the absolute number of developers is substantial, the lower LQ suggests that the demand might be more specialized or that the region is still developing its tech sector's density.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-14.7%below the national average.
$59.6
$2,383
$10,328
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lexington-Fayette, KY is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for skilled Software Developers has seen consistent growth over the past four years across most US metropolitan areas. This trend likely translates to upward pressure on salaries, even if the local average remains below the national benchmark, reflecting an evolving tech landscape.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Salary progression for Software Developers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower than the average, while senior developers with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above $123,930. The percentile gaps between junior, mid-level, and senior roles signify clear career progression pathways and earning potential within the region.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $75,580 | $36.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $92,948 | $44.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $123,210 | $59.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $154,913 | $74.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $184,290 | $88.6 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$123,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$123,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Software Developer salary of $123,930 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a developer's salary in Lexington is equivalent to that of a developer earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living effectively neutralizes this difference in terms of real income.
Job Market Context
1,330
Total Jobs
4.702
Per 1K Jobs
0.44
Location Quotient
At 0.44x, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a notably lower concentration of Software Developers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.44 for Software Developers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, signifies that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable workforce, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may exist for those with in-demand skills. It implies a moderate level of competition, with potential for growth as the region's tech industry matures.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $110,380↓ 11% | 28 mi |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $105,970↓ 14% | 28 mi |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $102,200↓ 18% | 28 mi |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $115,220↓ 7% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Software Developers Salary | $112,880↓ 9% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $123,930. This typically ranges from $75,580 for entry-level positions to $184,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 14.7% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Software Developers?
Moderately lucrative, especially considering the cost of living.While the average salary of $123,930 is below the national average, the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is exactly at the national average. This makes the effective purchasing power of the salary comparable to higher-paying, higher-cost-of-living areas.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($110,380) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Lexington Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
Software Developers in Lexington-Fayette, KY, earn an average of $123,930 annually, which is approximately $21,390 less than the national average of $145,320.
What is the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY for Software Developers?
The cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means that the $123,930 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
How concentrated is the Software Developer job market in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.44. This indicates fewer Software Developers per capita compared to the rest of the US, suggesting a potentially less competitive but developing job market.
What is the total number of Software Developers in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
There are approximately 1,330 Software Developers employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,330 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 4.702 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY