Kentucky Median
$98,710
per year
Hourly Rate
$47.46
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+11% vs US median
US median $88,720
State Rank
#8 of 39
170 employed here
How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Kentucky?
Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky take home a median of $98,710 annually — roughly $47.46 an hour — which runs 11% above the national median of $88,720.
Within Kentucky, entry-level pay starts around $47,480 while the top 10% make $137,650 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $70,850 and $122,320 a year.
Food Scientists and Technologists salary range in Kentucky
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,480 | $22.83 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $70,850 | $34.06 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $98,710 | $47.46 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $122,320 | $58.81 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $137,650 | $66.18 |
|
How Kentucky compares
Kentucky ranks 8th out of 39 states and territories for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Food Scientists and Technologists salary in other states
South Carolina $108,660Missouri $105,930New Jersey $104,340Massachusetts $103,580Florida $101,160Colorado $99,580Minnesota $99,280Alabama $97,480Washington $94,990Illinois $94,340New York $94,070California $93,950Virginia $93,590Maryland $93,330Texas $90,610Arizona $90,450Maine $89,480Rhode Island $87,970Georgia $86,050Kansas $85,130Oklahoma $84,750Arkansas $84,330Pennsylvania $83,380Wisconsin $83,020Iowa $82,010Tennessee $81,760Oregon $81,660Nevada $80,580North Carolina $79,840New Mexico $79,130Idaho $77,440Michigan $76,940Ohio $76,780Utah $73,280Nebraska $72,230South Dakota $71,330Indiana $69,350Montana $52,230
Working as Food Scientists and Technologists in Kentucky
Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare Kentucky pay ($98,710) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in Kentucky?
The median Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Kentucky is $98,710 per year, or about $47.46 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $47,480 at the entry level to $137,650 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Kentucky pay compare to the national average?
Kentucky pays Food Scientists and Technologists about 11% more than the national median of $88,720. Kentucky ranks 8th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Kentucky a good state for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Yes on pay — Kentucky pays above the national median for this occupation, at $98,710 a year. About 170 Food Scientists and Technologists are employed in Kentucky. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Kentucky?
The highest-paying occupations in Kentucky include Cardiologist ($558,180), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($350,950), Anesthesiologist ($347,960), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Food Scientists and Technologists salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.