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How much do workers make in Kentucky?

According to payroll company ADP, the median annual pay for workers in the commonwealth is $55,200, roughly $3,000 less than the national median annual pay. ADP also found that the median annual wage, which represents the middle value or the 50th percentile of workers' wages, in Kentucky was up 6.4% when compared to last year, a larger pay increase than what was seen nationally.

However, according to data from the Kentucky Center for Statistics, the average annual wage for workers in Kentucky is $51,490, falling slightly below the median annual wage.

Uric Dufrene, the Sanders Chair in Business at Indiana University Southeast, told the Courier Journal there is a strong correlation between the education required and the average wages an individual is likely to make, especially in the highest-paid jobs since most of these careers are highly specialized and require secondary education.

“The key takeaway is the relationship between annual earnings and the education and skills required for the occupation or industry,” Dufrene said. “In general, the higher wages are in industries that require higher levels of skills and education. Wage levels in specific industries also reflect the supply and demand for labor in that particular industry.”

So, what are the best jobs and industries in Kentucky to work in to maximize pay? Here's what we found.

What are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Kentucky?

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data that looks at annual median wage, the top jobs in the commonwealth are concentrated in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career fields. Here’s a snapshot of the 10 highest median annual wage jobs across the state:

1. Family medicine physicians: $215,210

2. General pediatrics: $210,000

3. Nuclear engineers: $192,380

4. Chief executives: $157,790

5. Judges: $139,650

6. General dentists: $135,390

7. Medical dosimetrists (part of a radiation oncology team): $133,420

8. Podiatrists: $132,160

9. Pharmacists: $129,690

10. Architectural and engineering managers: $128,760

What are the 10 lowest-paying jobs in Kentucky?

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data that looks at annual median wage, the lowest-paid jobs in the commonwealth typically don’t require advanced education. Here’s a snapshot of the 10 lowest median annual wage jobs across the state:

1. Animal breeders: $20,960

2. Amusement and recreation attendants: $21,050

3. Waiters and waitresses: $21,060

4. Physical therapist aides: $21,310

5. Textile machine workers: $21,720

6. Fast food cooks: $21,970

7. Ushers, lobby attendants and ticket takers: $22,240

8. Motor vehicle operators: $22,340

9. School bus monitors: $22,390

10. Bailiff (a legal officer, often in a courtroom): $22,500