WHAT'S YOUR DESTINATION?
Your career has a lot to do with how much money you'll make. Here's how much money certain careers pay in Kentucky. Use the resources listed on page 26 to research the educational requirements of careers that interest you. (Don't expect to make this much right out of college. You need experience, too.)
Occupations by Median Salary and Required Level of Education in Kentucky1
Professional Degree
Orthodontists289,141
Pediatricians247,790
Pharmacists140,920
Veterinarians130,104
Doctoral Degree
School superintendents2163,948
Physical Therapists102,752
History professors92,190
Master's Degree
Nurse Practitioners132,309
Statisticians105,643
Bachelor's Degree
Computer and Information Systems Managers182,998
Financial Managers165,818
Mining and Geological Engineers124,509
Registered Nurses97,552
Public School Classroom Teachers260,596
Graphic Designers62,962
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Motion Picture Staff74,984
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Industrial Engineering Technologists$68,494
Electrical and Electronics Drafters$69,430
Industrial Maintenance Workers$53,602
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$62,379
Human Resources Assistants$51,106
Postsecondary Certificate
Electrical and Electronics Repairers,$72,862
Commercial and Industrial Equipment Workers
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters$53,872
Hairdressers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists$37,315
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Is minimum wage enough for you?
Dreaming of becoming a paid influencer?
At $7.25 an hour, you can expect to earn about $15,080 a year IF you have a full-time job. Many minimum wage jobs are only part time and offer no benefits.
Most social media influencers need to reach 100,000 followers before they start seeing a profit. Many will need to reach 1,000,000.
List your top 3 career choices!
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1Typical average salary in Kentucky. Source: careeronestop.org, 2025.
2Source: Kentucky Department of Education, education.ky.gov/districts/finrept/pages/school%20district%20personnel%20information.aspx, 2024-2025
Preparing for College