Surveyors in Kentucky earn an average annual salary of $71,040, which is slightly below the national average of $75,200. This difference in compensation can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the specific economic landscape and demand within the state for surveying professionals. While the nominal salary may appear lower, it's crucial to consider the local economic context.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,120.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 580 Surveyors, Kentucky presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally dense, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests that Surveyors are slightly less concentrated in Kentucky compared to the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand that is not oversaturated. This equilibrium suggests consistent opportunities for skilled professionals.
Surveyors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kentucky Surveyors is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased infrastructure projects, and evolving land development needs typically drive demand and, consequently, compensation for Surveyors, suggesting a positive trajectory for earnings in the state.
Surveyors Salary Distribution in Kentucky
The career path for Surveyors in Kentucky typically shows significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Surveyors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The increasing salary percentiles reflect the accumulation of expertise, project management capabilities, and client trust developed over time.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,520 | $19 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,280 | $25.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $67,060 | $32.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $88,800 | $42.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $106,120 | $51 |
Detailed Surveyors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,109
Adjusted for COL (89.8)
The average annual salary of $71,040 in Kentucky offers a strong purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the local Cost of Living Index of 89.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation are generally more affordable. Therefore, the nominal salary translates into a higher real income for Surveyors residing in Kentucky.
Job Market Context
580
Total Jobs
0.29
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Kentucky has 0.84x the national average concentration of Surveyors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 indicates that Surveyors are employed in Kentucky at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant sector within the state's workforce compared to other regions. The market is neither overly competitive nor scarce, offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Surveyors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Surveyors Salary | $78,020↑ 10% | 28 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Surveyors Salary | $75,390↑ 6% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Surveyors Salary | $85,770↑ 21% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Kentucky
Hiring Surveyorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Surveyors make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for a Surveyors in Kentucky is $71,040. This typically ranges from $39,520 for entry-level positions to $106,120 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kentucky is 5.5% lower than the national median of $75,200.
Is Kentucky a lucrative place for Surveyors?
Yes, with a caveat regarding cost of living.Kentucky offers a competitive salary for Surveyors, which is further enhanced by a cost of living that is below the national average. This combination results in a favorable real income and purchasing power for professionals in the field.
Is Kentucky a good place to live for Surveyors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kentucky?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($78,020) and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN.
How does the Kentucky surveyor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Surveyors in Kentucky is $71,040, which is approximately $4,160 less than the national average of $75,200.
What is the concentration of Surveyors in Kentucky compared to the rest of the US?
Kentucky has a Location Quotient of 0.84 for Surveyors, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Kentucky affect a Surveyor's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.8, Kentucky is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $71,040 salary provides greater purchasing power for Surveyors living there.
What does the number of Surveyors per 1,000 workers suggest about the job market?
With 0.29 Surveyors per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a steady presence of the profession, without an overwhelming surplus or scarcity of opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 580 employees in the Kentucky area with a job density of 0.29 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Surveyors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Kentucky