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Library Assistants, Clerical Salary in Kentucky: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Library Assistants, Clerical salary really buy you in Kentucky?

Kentucky is 10.6% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$33,690
Median annual (2025)
+11.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$37,684
COL-adjusted (RPP=89.4)

Kentucky Cost of Living Index

Kentucky's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 89.4, meaning prices are 10.6% lower the national average. A Library Assistants, Clerical earning $33,690 in Kentucky has the equivalent purchasing power of $37,684 in an average-cost US state.

KY: 89.4
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Kentucky's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $25,720 $28,769 +$3,049
25th Percentile (P25) $28,790 $32,203 +$3,413
Median (P50) $33,690 $37,684 +$3,994
75th Percentile (P75) $35,750 $39,988 +$4,238
90th Percentile (P90) $43,630 $48,803 +$5,173
Key Insight

A Library Assistants, Clerical in Kentucky earns $33,690 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 12% further — like earning $37,684 in an average-cost state. This makes Kentucky one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Kentucky Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 89.4

Kentucky's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 89.4 means a basket of goods and services costs about 10.6% less than the national average. For a Library Assistants, Clerical, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Sizable COL Effect Reshapes This Salary

+11.9%

Adjusting $33,690 for Kentucky's cost of living yields $37,685 — a 11.9% gain in real purchasing power. This magnitude usually reflects either a materially cheaper or materially pricier metro mix than the national average.

Above-Median Adjusted Pay

#19 / 50

Kentucky sits at #19 of 50 states for Library Assistants, Clerical COL-adjusted salary — comfortably above the national midpoint.

Best States for Library Assistants, Clerical (After Cost of Living)

Where does Library Assistants, Clerical salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$50,934
RPP 116.6
2. Nevada
$48,360
RPP 96.4
3. Alaska
$43,921
RPP 102.0
$43,723
RPP 105.0
$43,296
RPP 109.8
6. Montana
$43,266
RPP 90.3
$42,914
RPP 92.3
$42,542
RPP 112.5
9. Wyoming
$41,392
RPP 91.9
10. Minnesota
$40,910
RPP 97.7

Kentucky ranks #19 out of 50 states for Library Assistants, Clerical after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Library Assistants, Clerical take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Library Assistants, Clerical in Kentucky after cost of living?

A Library Assistants, Clerical in Kentucky earns a median salary of $33,690 per year. After adjusting for Kentucky's cost of living (RPP=89.4), the real purchasing power is $37,684 — a +11.9% difference.

Is Kentucky expensive to live in?

Kentucky's cost of living is 10.6% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Kentucky is 89.4 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Library Assistants, Clerical in Kentucky: $33,690 x (100 / 89.4) = $37,684. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Library Assistants, Clerical in Kentucky financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Library Assistants, Clerical in Kentucky enjoys 11.9% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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