SOC 15-1251 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Computer Programmers — South Central Kentucky
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area · 2 metro areas compared
In South Central Kentucky, KY the median wage is $91,590.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In South Central Kentucky, KY the median wage is $91,590. That is 8.8% lower than the national median of $100,390. Pay ranges from under $62,580 at the tenth percentile to more than $144,670 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $81,390 to $112,320.
Within the state, Louisville/Jefferson County records the highest median at $105,050. Of the 365 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 40th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $62,580 | −37.7% |
| 25th | $81,390 | −18.9% |
| Median (50th) | $91,590 | −8.8% |
| 75th | $112,320 | +11.9% |
| 90th | $144,670 | +44.1% |
| Mean | $97,060 | −3.3% |
Other metro areas in Kentucky
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $105,050 | — | |
| 2 | Lexington | $90,850 | 130 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Central Kentucky run 9.8% below the national average, so the median of $91,590 goes as far as $101,541 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 1.1% above the national median in real terms.
Published median
$91,590as reported by BLSLocal price level
90.2US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$101,541US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $91,590 a year, 8.8% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $62,580 to $144,670 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Louisville/Jefferson County, at $105,050.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Computer Programmers in South Central Kentucky, KY?
The median annual wage is $91,590, or $44.04 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $100,390, so pay in South Central Kentucky, KY is 8.8% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in South Central Kentucky, KY earns more than $144,670 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $62,580 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Louisville/Jefferson County, at $105,050 per year.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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