Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Kentucky | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $101,050 | $107,639 | -6% |
| Median hourly wage | $48.58 | $51.75 | -6% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $112,029.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $90,554 | $63,700 | $118,300 | 89 |
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineer in Kentucky is $101,050, or about $48.58 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Mechanical Engineers is $107,639. Kentucky is -6% below the national median.
Entry-level mechanical engineers in Kentucky typically earn from $63,700 depending on the city and employer.
With 4,170 mechanical engineer jobs on record and a median salary of $101,050, Kentucky offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.