Data Scientists in Kentucky. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median Data Scientist wage in Kentucky was $93,490 in 2024, about 19% below the national median of $115,636. That gap is real, but it shrinks once you account for what the money actually buys. Kentucky's cost-of-living index sits at 90.6, meaning everyday expenses run roughly 10% below the national baseline. Adjusted for that, the in-state median lands closer to $103,200 in national-baseline dollars, which cuts the gap to around 11%.
The spread from bottom to top is wide. Data Scientists at the 10th percentile earned $58,130, while those at the 90th earned $160,460. Top earners made nearly three times what entry-level peers did. That range reflects how much experience, industry, and specialization drive pay in this field, even within a single state.
About 1,700 Data Scientists were employed in Kentucky in 2024. That is a relatively small base, which can make individual hiring decisions move the state median in ways that are less likely in larger labor markets like Texas or California.
BLS projects this occupation to grow 33.5% nationally between 2024 and 2034, a pace it classifies as much faster than average. Kentucky-specific projections are not published at this level of detail, so the national figure is the best available reference.
Salary distribution
Where Kentucky data scientists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $75,620 and $121,850, with a median of $91,760.
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Data Scientists pay by experience level in Kentucky
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Kentucky over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+33.5%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing much faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Metro-level salary data for data scientists in major Kentucky metropolitan areas.
- Louisville$99,980
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Data Scientists in Kentucky?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Data Scientists in Kentucky is $91,760.
- How does Kentucky compare to the national median for Data Scientists?
- The Kentucky median is -23.6% versus the BLS national figure of $120,042.
- What is the salary range for Data Scientists in Kentucky?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $61,990 and the 90th-percentile at $156,480, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Data Scientists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 33.5% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Data Scientists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.