SOC 51-4111 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Tool and Die Makers — South Central Kentucky
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area · 4 metro areas compared
The median wage for Tool and Die Makers in South Central Kentucky, KY is $50,980 per year, 20.4% below the national median of $64,050.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
The median wage for Tool and Die Makers in South Central Kentucky, KY is $50,980 per year, 20.4% below the national median of $64,050. Half of workers earn between $46,960 and $66,560. Beyond that band, the tenth percentile sits at $43,790 and the ninetieth at $73,710.
Employment stands at 160, or 0.9 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Lexington records the highest median at $83,510. Of the 365 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 163rd.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $43,790 | −31.6% |
| 25th | $46,960 | −26.7% |
| Median (50th) | $50,980 | −20.4% |
| 75th | $66,560 | +3.9% |
| 90th | $73,710 | +15.1% |
| Mean | $56,000 | −12.6% |
Other metro areas in Kentucky
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lexington | $83,510 | 290 | |
| 2 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $75,250 | 610 | |
| 3 | Bowling Green | $69,790 | 180 | |
| 4 | Owensboro | $63,720 | 80 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Central Kentucky run 9.8% below the national average, so the median of $50,980 goes as far as $56,519 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 11.8% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$50,980as reported by BLSLocal price level
90.2US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$56,519US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $50,980 a year, 20.4% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $43,790 to $73,710 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 160 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Lexington, at $83,510.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Tool and Die Makers in South Central Kentucky, KY?
The median annual wage is $50,980, or $24.51 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 $64,050, so pay in South Central Kentucky, KY is 20.4% 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 $73,710 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $43,790 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 Lexington, at $83,510 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 160 jobs in this occupation in South Central Kentucky, KY. Self-employed workers are not included.
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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