Sociologist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Sociologists in Kentucky, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Kentucky Median
$136,870
per year
Hourly Rate
$65.80
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+29% vs US median
US median $106,030
State Rank
#2 of 11
30 employed here

How much does a Sociologist make in Kentucky?

A Sociologist working in Kentucky earns a median salary of $136,870 per year, or about $65.80 per hour. That is 29% above the national median of $106,030 for this occupation.

Within Kentucky, entry-level pay starts around $102,540 while the top 10% make $162,350 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $104,870 and $140,790 a year.

Sociologist salary range in Kentucky

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$102,540$49.30
25th percentile (early career)$104,870$50.42
50th percentile (median)$136,870$65.80
75th percentile (experienced)$140,790$67.69
90th percentile (top earners)$162,350$78.05

How Kentucky compares

Kentucky ranks 2nd out of 11 states and territories for Sociologist pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Illinois$140,770
2Kentucky$136,870
3North Carolina$126,760
4California$125,770
5Alaska$108,170

Working as a Sociologist in Kentucky

Nationally, about 2,000 people work as Sociologists in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.

Considering a move? Compare Kentucky pay ($136,870) 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 does a Sociologist make in Kentucky?
The median Sociologist salary in Kentucky is $136,870 per year, or about $65.80 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $102,540 at the entry level to $162,350 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Kentucky pay compare to the national average?
Kentucky pays Sociologists about 29% more than the national median of $106,030. Kentucky ranks 2nd out of 11 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Kentucky a good state for Sociologists?
Yes on pay — Kentucky pays above the national median for this occupation, at $136,870 a year. About 30 Sociologists 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 Sociologist 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.