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373 Jobs That Pay Over $50K in Kentucky (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed: 2026-05-19

There are 373 occupations in Kentucky with a median salary above $50K per year. The highest-paying is Cardiologists at $558,180/year. Based on 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025

$50K+ $75K+ $100K+ $150K+

Average Salary by State

Average salaries across all 50 states. Click a state to see its $50K+ jobs.

$57,873

$89,679

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS 2025 Annual

AL $63,963 AK $79,599 AZ $72,019 AR $58,447 CA $83,172 CO $76,493 CT $78,019 DE $71,614 DC $89,679 FL $67,772 GA $69,372 HI $73,976 ID $67,243 IL $74,900 IN $68,360 IA $68,184 KS $65,075 KY $66,085 LA $62,928 ME $70,351 MD $79,476 MA $81,221 MI $70,102 MN $79,901 MS $57,873 MO $67,599 MT $65,918 NE $68,499 NV $69,352 NH $75,725 NJ $80,366 NM $68,121 NY $83,189 NC $67,685 ND $70,391 OH $69,737 OK $63,871 OR $75,924 PA $70,617 RI $78,209 SC $66,430 SD $64,417 TN $66,638 TX $68,700 UT $68,195 VT $74,078 VA $73,984 WA $86,472 WV $62,235 WI $71,762 WY $66,073

373
Jobs Over $50K

$558,180

#1: Cardiologists

$84,384

Avg of Qualifying Jobs

805,240

Workers in These Jobs

All 373 Jobs Paying Over $50K in Kentucky

Ranked by median annual salary. Click any job to see the full salary breakdown.

#	Occupation	Median Salary	Mean Salary	Workers
1	Cardiologists	$558,180	$522,350	N/A
2	Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers	$350,950	$302,340	6,260
3	Anesthesiologists	$347,960	$310,560	1,090
4	Neurologists	$338,850	$301,190	230
5	Physicians, Pathologists	$324,390	$302,180	N/A
6	Obstetricians and Gynecologists	$317,110	$268,360	240
7	Radiologists	$279,990	$338,210	N/A
8	Family Medicine Physicians	$248,730	$254,740	1,170
9	General Internal Medicine Physicians	$241,530	$250,140	1,060
10	Psychiatrists	$237,770	$221,190	160
11	Nurse Anesthetists	$222,520	$229,690	1,640
12	Podiatrists	$201,260	$200,500	80
13	Dermatologists	$195,830	$249,200	N/A
14	Physicists	$180,910	$179,250	50
15	Chief Executives	$179,530	$238,100	2,070
16	Pediatricians, General	$175,690	$188,030	380
17	Emergency Medicine Physicians	$169,390	$214,570	620
18	Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates	$150,650	$140,470	370
19	Architectural and Engineering Managers	$147,680	$151,880	1,800
20	Law Teachers, Postsecondary	$140,820	$135,680	120
21	Computer and Information Systems Managers	$140,360	$150,620	3,130
22	Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$139,110	$133,580	70
23	Sociologists	$136,870	$121,880	30
24	Pharmacists	$136,530	$136,480	5,030
25	Dentists, General	$134,160	$157,630	790
26	Financial Managers	$130,650	$145,780	6,630
27	Commercial Pilots	$129,990	$168,100	800
28	Marketing Managers	$128,930	$138,310	1,930
29	Optometrists	$128,860	$142,710	430
30	Sales Managers	$128,650	$147,860	6,650
31	Air Traffic Controllers	$127,800	$121,910	230
32	Natural Sciences Managers	$126,440	$132,550	400
33	Aerospace Engineers	$126,130	$133,200	290
34	Database Architects	$125,400	$124,130	350
35	Fundraising Managers	$124,770	$134,640	210
36	Purchasing Managers	$124,350	$127,000	920
37	Airfield Operations Specialists	$123,290	$108,820	290
38	Nurse Practitioners	$122,870	$125,010	4,770
39	Human Resources Managers	$121,460	$130,260	1,960
40	Physician Assistants	$120,760	$119,990	1,360
41	Ship Engineers	$120,550	$114,730	N/A
42	Actuaries	$120,400	$129,150	70
43	Chemical Engineers	$117,170	$122,160	190
44	Computer Hardware Engineers	$116,200	$109,310	500
45	Education Administrators, Postsecondary	$114,310	$145,310	890
46	Compensation and Benefits Managers	$114,290	$137,860	110
47	Training and Development Managers	$112,750	$119,460	460
48	Statisticians	$112,520	$113,540	80
49	Public Relations Managers	$112,320	$123,770	510
50	Industrial Production Managers	$112,250	$124,010	6,430
51	Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary	$110,810	$124,800	340
52	Software Developers	$109,010	$120,730	7,660
53	Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors	$107,760	$114,380	300
54	Environmental Engineers	$107,520	$113,090	350
55	Advertising and Promotions Managers	$107,030	$111,950	230
56	Economics Teachers, Postsecondary	$106,250	$130,850	120
57	Power Distributors and Dispatchers	$105,600	$105,940	140
58	Gambling Managers	$105,340	$107,860	30
59	Veterinarians	$104,100	$112,730	1,190
60	Computer Network Architects	$103,740	$110,120	1,710
61	Information Security Analysts	$103,630	$108,310	1,680
62	Medical and Health Services Managers	$103,450	$123,590	8,600
63	Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers	$103,300	$106,230	230
64	Atmospheric and Space Scientists	$103,240	$106,230	100
65	Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary	$102,140	$108,810	60
66	Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric	$101,940	$181,520	70
67	Electronics Engineers, Except Computer	$101,860	$105,520	860
68	Lawyers	$101,550	$120,730	5,770
69	Mechanical Engineers	$101,050	$103,320	4,170
70	Civil Engineers	$100,930	$105,310	2,690
71	Facilities Managers	$100,720	$109,780	1,070
72	Physical Therapists	$100,710	$99,190	3,390
73	Materials Engineers	$100,620	$106,970	280
74	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	$100,340	$109,950	2,340
75	Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary	$99,920	$100,190	4,940
76	Genetic Counselors	$99,770	$98,700	50
77	Clinical and Counseling Psychologists	$99,140	$109,760	710
78	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$98,860	$96,860	130
79	Food Scientists and Technologists	$98,710	$96,080	170
80	Postmasters and Mail Superintendents	$98,570	$99,750	240
81	Electrical Engineers	$98,550	$99,530	1,540
82	Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage	$97,950	$94,960	N/A
83	Radiation Therapists	$97,760	$105,000	170
84	Architects, Except Landscape and Naval	$97,680	$97,670	630
85	Occupational Therapists	$97,650	$95,450	2,190
86	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products	$97,640	$113,930	4,170
87	Chemical Plant and System Operators	$97,550	$99,730	40
88	Construction Managers	$97,020	$111,410	2,990
89	Industrial Engineers	$96,820	$99,120	6,070
90	Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$95,830	$101,880	40
91	Management Analysts	$95,630	$97,790	4,550
92	Nuclear Medicine Technologists	$95,470	$93,430	270
93	Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers	$95,360	$98,310	80
94	Computer Systems Analysts	$95,090	$102,610	5,930
95	Computer Programmers	$94,850	$101,200	950
96	Power Plant Operators	$93,400	$93,970	690
97	Audiologists	$92,520	$94,660	90
98	Data Scientists	$91,760	$100,840	1,540
99	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	$91,230	$88,940	940
100	Sales Engineers	$90,190	$98,510	380
101	Database Administrators	$87,390	$92,080	650
102	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$87,020	$96,690	2,800
103	Geography Teachers, Postsecondary	$86,790	$89,550	50
104	Acupuncturists	$85,130	$87,560	60
105	Surgical Assistants	$84,600	$89,380	480
106	Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$84,100	$98,180	200
107	Chemists	$84,090	$86,740	530
108	Transportation Inspectors	$83,970	$85,350	260
109	Operations Research Analysts	$83,850	$89,930	660
110	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists	$83,730	$87,530	2,480
111	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	$83,680	$113,720	1,380
112	Speech-Language Pathologists	$83,550	$89,180	2,610
113	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$83,470	$93,320	310
114	Web Developers	$82,630	$87,160	270
115	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary	$82,550	$96,830	250
116	Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists	$82,200	$84,520	650
117	Chiropractors	$81,740	$85,450	470
118	Project Management Specialists	$81,700	$89,470	10,250
119	Financial and Investment Analysts	$81,660	$90,010	2,460
120	Technical Writers	$81,070	$83,190	340
121	Registered Nurses	$81,040	$86,140	50,300
122	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	$80,390	$88,030	1,600
123	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	$80,270	$92,240	160
124	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$80,140	$96,250	760
125	Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling	$80,130	$83,110	300
126	Insurance Underwriters	$79,830	$87,430	900
127	General and Operations Managers	$79,370	$99,990	52,100
128	Credit Analysts	$79,290	$87,210	370
129	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	$79,100	$84,590	890
130	Electrical and Electronics Drafters	$79,050	$74,790	80
131	Dental Hygienists	$78,830	$78,950	2,070
132	Epidemiologists	$78,810	$78,110	120
133	Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers	$78,670	$82,740	520
134	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$78,670	$94,560	140
135	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$77,990	$76,300	520
136	Locomotive Engineers	$77,620	$83,310	540
137	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists	$77,580	$95,680	670
138	Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers	$77,510	$79,810	170
139	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$77,020	$75,710	2,930
140	Web and Digital Interface Designers	$77,000	$83,370	590
141	Social and Community Service Managers	$76,960	$79,460	2,280
142	Budget Analysts	$76,860	$81,510	630
143	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	$76,760	$81,350	10,020
144	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	$76,710	$96,450	2,920
145	Financial Examiners	$76,260	$87,750	640
146	Art Directors	$76,160	$80,360	320
147	Commercial and Industrial Designers	$76,100	$76,080	420
148	Signal and Track Switch Repairers	$75,870	$67,440	60
149	Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders	$75,620	$70,450	240
150	School Psychologists	$75,370	$80,220	590
151	Accountants and Auditors	$75,270	$80,790	11,930
152	Hearing Aid Specialists	$75,200	$67,580	100
153	Cost Estimators	$74,880	$78,920	1,960
154	Boilermakers	$74,810	$74,080	150
155	Emergency Management Directors	$74,730	$74,990	150
156	Biochemists and Biophysicists	$74,710	$97,830	40
157	Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$74,690	$79,640	90
158	Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers	$74,640	$89,300	110
159	Financial Risk Specialists	$74,640	$78,540	500
160	Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary	$74,520	$78,020	590
161	Sound Engineering Technicians	$74,100	$71,980	60
162	Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators	$73,840	$76,120	3,670
163	Labor Relations Specialists	$73,550	$70,710	640
164	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers	$73,490	$74,220	9,620
165	Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	$73,460	$75,070	80
166	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers	$73,320	$82,130	2,090
167	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$73,120	$64,970	270
168	Respiratory Therapists	$72,750	$72,470	2,530
169	Roof Bolters, Mining	$72,510	$72,060	120
170	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	$72,490	$74,710	13,820
171	Anthropologists and Archeologists	$72,230	$74,230	70
172	Conservation Scientists	$71,980	$74,970	180
173	Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	$71,920	$76,560	1,130
174	Surveyors	$71,840	$70,020	670
175	Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$71,670	$86,900	720
176	Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	$71,470	$72,800	90
177	Economists	$71,400	$83,920	100
178	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	$71,040	$71,160	1,000
179	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$70,630	$82,110	470
180	Millwrights	$70,610	$68,730	1,220
181	Food Service Managers	$70,410	$71,620	1,680
182	Radiologic Technologists and Technicians	$69,670	$72,840	3,630
183	Dietitians and Nutritionists	$69,520	$65,570	1,040
184	Compliance Officers	$69,240	$72,580	4,360
185	Human Resources Specialists	$69,010	$72,970	10,900
186	Mechanical Drafters	$68,880	$70,230	510
187	Landscape Architects	$68,460	$73,600	140
188	Logisticians	$68,420	$74,120	2,590
189	Fundraisers	$68,270	$70,990	1,030
190	Helpers--Extraction Workers	$68,020	$66,890	230
191	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$67,920	$81,330	1,680
192	Soil and Plant Scientists	$67,340	$76,110	140
193	Personal Financial Advisors	$67,150	$124,320	2,040
194	Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers	$66,830	$62,670	40
195	Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	$66,770	$62,810	90
196	Tool and Die Makers	$66,570	$67,520	1,900
197	Microbiologists	$66,500	$75,570	80
198	Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$66,440	$60,800	540
199	Social Science Research Assistants	$66,390	$70,300	1,190
200	Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,820	$77,500	490
201	Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,630	$72,830	180
202	Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,580	$68,830	320
203	Health Education Specialists	$65,370	$68,360	760
204	Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	$65,270	$72,380	70
205	Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,260	$73,460	280
206	Buyers and Purchasing Agents	$65,240	$70,810	5,440
207	Occupational Therapy Assistants	$65,230	$65,360	500
208	Librarians and Media Collections Specialists	$65,200	$65,970	1,980
209	Hydrologic Technicians	$65,170	$69,440	30
210	English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,090	$70,580	540
211	Urban and Regional Planners	$65,000	$73,590	180
212	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers	$64,980	$70,180	230
213	Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$64,890	$69,420	230
214	Food Science Technicians	$64,770	$66,530	160
215	Orthotists and Prosthetists	$64,730	$73,770	80
216	Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists	$64,690	$66,740	670
217	History Teachers, Postsecondary	$64,600	$72,530	280
218	Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles	$64,570	$56,130	40
219	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$64,560	$66,000	11,540
220	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$64,440	$68,910	900
221	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors	$64,350	$65,740	5,030
222	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	$64,280	$77,540	15,550
223	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$64,160	$68,870	6,360
224	Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$64,120	$67,980	1,060
225	Healthcare Social Workers	$64,080	$64,960	1,980
226	Structural Iron and Steel Workers	$64,060	$66,980	990
227	Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	$64,010	$65,330	1,870
228	Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$63,660	$68,930	60
229	Instructional Coordinators	$63,640	$69,230	3,380
230	Commercial Divers	$63,550	$64,300	N/A
231	Historians	$63,530	$64,840	50
232	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	$63,180	$67,370	19,670
233	Transportation Security Screeners	$63,130	$60,390	510
234	Gas Plant Operators	$63,070	$67,080	200
235	Athletes and Sports Competitors	$63,020	$74,190	N/A
236	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$62,980	$65,110	630
237	First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers	$62,780	$64,780	780
238	Postal Service Clerks	$62,610	$61,250	1,220
239	Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants	$62,410	$65,590	2,700
240	Communications Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,380	$68,570	470
241	Film and Video Editors	$62,330	$64,520	60
242	Loan Officers	$62,090	$74,870	3,940
243	Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers	$62,070	$71,390	110
244	First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	$62,030	$64,550	320
245	Crane and Tower Operators	$62,000	$63,750	640
246	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	$61,950	$64,970	150
247	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$61,560	$63,450	12,780
248	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$61,480	$70,220	6,290
249	Physical Therapist Assistants	$61,480	$60,490	2,580
250	Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$61,470	$60,500	200
251	Forensic Science Technicians	$61,470	$60,590	60
252	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$61,450	$62,680	450
253	Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,450	$67,150	620
254	Training and Development Specialists	$61,390	$66,370	6,090
255	Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,260	$76,880	150
256	Farm and Home Management Educators	$61,190	$61,420	420
257	Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$61,140	$64,180	1,330
258	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School	$61,130	$63,870	330
259	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$61,120	$60,150	8,040
260	Occupational Health and Safety Technicians	$61,120	$68,730	650
261	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,080	$59,040	1,560
262	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	$60,980	$67,520	940
263	Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	$60,880	$61,770	4,860
264	Insurance Sales Agents	$60,880	$92,780	6,210
265	First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers	$60,850	$67,280	1,250
266	Chemical Technicians	$60,830	$63,000	700
267	Special Education Teachers, Secondary School	$60,730	$60,910	2,680
268	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	$60,700	$59,440	1,080
269	Athletic Trainers	$60,680	$61,320	720
270	Sheet Metal Workers	$60,680	$63,790	2,210
271	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education	$60,610	$59,870	19,080
272	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	$60,490	$59,840	7,890
273	Surgical Technologists	$60,490	$61,370	1,440
274	Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses	$60,460	$60,460	8,570
275	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	$60,280	$62,210	100
276	Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education	$60,280	$59,670	2,450
277	Medical Equipment Repairers	$60,230	$58,610	860
278	Construction and Building Inspectors	$60,200	$66,580	1,380
279	Special Education Teachers, Middle School	$60,200	$58,160	1,530
280	Public Relations Specialists	$60,150	$67,550	2,580
281	Architectural and Civil Drafters	$60,120	$62,850	870
282	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$60,090	$63,480	10,180
283	Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School	$60,060	$58,580	3,710
284	Agricultural Technicians	$59,860	$57,890	210
285	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$59,830	$59,240	3,540
286	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	$59,820	$58,140	780
287	Massage Therapists	$59,790	$65,060	780
288	Electricians	$59,720	$61,410	11,030
289	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$59,710	$63,070	1,860
290	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$59,700	$61,880	2,210
291	Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$59,610	$59,380	830
292	Lodging Managers	$59,440	$63,990	N/A
293	Editors	$59,430	$72,640	490
294	Rail Car Repairers	$59,430	$60,630	770
295	Interior Designers	$59,240	$63,620	490
296	Recreational Therapists	$59,240	$58,460	100
297	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$59,220	$59,450	2,540
298	Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents	$59,110	$76,640	5,340
299	Child, Family, and School Social Workers	$59,100	$59,270	8,470
300	Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders	$59,040	$56,790	810
301	Clergy	$58,920	$58,370	410
302	Postal Service Mail Carriers	$58,910	$61,200	4,640
303	Property Appraisers and Assessors	$58,850	$62,660	140
304	Pipelayers	$58,820	$59,190	60
305	Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$58,770	$56,210	1,500
306	Machinists	$58,660	$59,560	6,040
307	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$58,620	$58,870	5,100
308	Real Estate Sales Agents	$58,610	$63,180	1,120
309	Rehabilitation Counselors	$58,540	$56,550	790
310	Bridge and Lock Tenders	$58,220	$58,200	100
311	Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$58,050	$58,480	2,670
312	Computer User Support Specialists	$57,850	$60,650	9,460
313	Mechanical Door Repairers	$57,840	$57,810	180
314	First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers	$57,830	$57,780	50
315	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$57,780	$59,320	7,050
316	Brokerage Clerks	$57,690	$60,710	N/A
317	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers	$57,670	$57,380	1,360
318	Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders	$57,530	$61,950	3,590
319	Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators	$57,430	$57,960	950
320	Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents	$57,240	$59,310	1,290
321	Foresters	$56,460	$63,560	120
322	Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers	$56,410	$58,440	170
323	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	$56,340	$59,870	31,760
324	Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas	$56,160	$57,890	80
325	Fire Inspectors and Investigators	$55,970	$56,800	100
326	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks	$55,690	$58,710	6,480
327	Calibration Technologists and Technicians	$55,650	$56,810	90
328	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$55,480	$57,370	3,890
329	Curators	$55,460	$59,600	130
330	Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters	$55,250	$54,020	450
331	Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$54,960	$57,820	5,510
332	Floor Sanders and Finishers	$54,580	$58,710	N/A
333	Fish and Game Wardens	$54,570	$57,250	70
334	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity	$54,550	$49,790	2,570
335	Producers and Directors	$54,550	$61,920	950
336	Special Education Teachers, Preschool	$54,220	$51,050	N/A
337	Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors	$54,190	$57,560	7,690
338	Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film	$53,790	$55,460	170
339	Interpreters and Translators	$53,590	$58,930	480
340	Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers	$53,490	$50,750	100
341	Set and Exhibit Designers	$53,260	$53,600	40
342	Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders	$53,160	$61,480	130
343	Graphic Designers	$52,960	$56,050	2,060
344	Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks	$52,890	$54,510	1,670
345	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers	$52,860	$57,420	270
346	Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers	$52,790	$59,420	2,670
347	Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel	$52,750	$66,190	11,860
348	Carpenters	$52,680	$54,820	8,540
349	Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$52,530	$48,520	1,010
350	Marriage and Family Therapists	$52,420	$56,560	330
351	Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	$52,380	$50,230	110
352	Directors, Religious Activities and Education	$52,230	$74,570	250
353	Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders	$52,140	$51,130	110
354	Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs	$52,020	$56,230	1,710
355	Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$51,740	$50,780	N/A
356	Advertising Sales Agents	$51,580	$55,630	620
357	Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers	$51,470	$53,710	6,630
358	Locksmiths and Safe Repairers	$51,120	$52,950	120
359	Exercise Physiologists	$51,070	$53,410	60
360	Special Effects Artists and Animators	$50,970	$61,110	40
361	Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians	$50,920	$59,560	360
362	Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders	$50,740	$52,390	1,000
363	Procurement Clerks	$50,610	$51,260	810
364	Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping	$50,400	$50,460	1,240
365	Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$50,400	$50,090	1,120
366	Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles	$50,380	$55,140	390
367	Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters	$50,360	$50,570	380
368	Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners	$50,350	$43,840	80
369	Riggers	$50,270	$56,400	N/A
370	First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers	$50,260	$54,280	810
371	Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	$50,200	$52,470	1,280
372	Continuous Mining Machine Operators	$50,020	$56,920	390
373	Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	$50,000	$50,050	1,400

Kentucky High-Salary Insights

The $50K+ jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in Healthcare Practitioners, Transportation, and Life & Physical Science fields.

57.5% of all tracked occupations in KY earn a median salary above $50K. The entry point for this group is $50,000/year (Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic), while the top earner makes $558,180/year.

Kentucky ranks #29 among all 50 states for the number of $50K+ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs pay over $50K a year in Kentucky?

According to 2025 BLS data, there are 373 occupations in Kentucky with a median annual salary above $50K. This represents 57.5% of all tracked occupations in KY.

What is the highest paying job in Kentucky?

The highest paying occupation in Kentucky is Cardiologists with a median salary of $558,180 per year based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.

What is the minimum salary to be on the $50K+ list in Kentucky?

The entry point for the $50K+ list in Kentucky is $50,000/year (Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic). Any occupation with a median salary above $50K qualifies for this list.

What is the average salary of $50K+ jobs in Kentucky?

The average median salary among all 373 occupations that pay over $50K in Kentucky is $84,384 per year (2025 data).

How can I get a job that pays over $50K in Kentucky?

High-paying jobs in Kentucky typically require specialized education, certifications, or significant experience. Common fields include healthcare, technology, management, and engineering. Investing in relevant skills through certifications and advanced degrees can help you reach the $50K+ salary range. Check individual job pages for specific requirements.

Aiming for a $50K+ Career in Kentucky?

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Jobs Over $50K in Other States

These are gross salaries. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is lower.

More Salary Data for Kentucky

All Kentucky Jobs

Data Source & Methodology

This list includes all occupations with BLS-published state-level median salary data above $50K per year. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. See our Methodology page for details.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics