Marketing Managers in Kentucky. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median Marketing Manager in Kentucky earned $123,480 in 2024, about 20% below the US median of $154,215. That gap is real, but it does not tell the whole story.
Kentucky's cost-of-living index sits at 90.6, meaning everyday expenses run roughly 10% lower than the national baseline. After adjusting for that, the in-state median translates to closer to $136,300 in national-baseline dollars. The gap narrows to around 12%. Still a discount, but a smaller one than the headline figure suggests.
The spread across earners is wide. A Marketing Manager at the 10th percentile earned $69,630 in 2024. One at the 90th earned $213,890. Top earners in this state make about three times what those starting out do. That kind of range usually reflects differences in job level, industry, and how much budget someone is managing. A marketing director at a regional healthcare company lands in a different conversation than a one-person marketing department at a small manufacturer.
The mean annual wage of $134,320 runs about $11,000 above the median. A smaller group of higher-paid managers pulls that average up, so the median is the more useful reference point for most people.
BLS projects the Marketing Manager occupation to grow 6.6% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as faster than average. About 2,130 Marketing Managers were employed in Kentucky at the time of the 2024 survey.
Salary distribution
Where Kentucky marketing managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $93,780 and $170,720, with a median of $128,930.
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Marketing Managers 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.
Marketing Managers in Kentucky, by industry
Median offered wage across 4 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Manufacturing leads with a median of $120,000.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | PRCO America, Inc. | 2 | $120,000 |
| Professional services | Infinite Epigenetics | 2 | $146,411 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
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
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.
- 02
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
- 03
Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
- 04
Develop pricing strategies, balancing firm objectives and customer satisfaction.
- 05
Compile lists describing product or service offerings.
- 06
Direct the hiring, training, or performance evaluations of marketing or sales staff and oversee their daily activities.
- 07
Consult with product development personnel on product specifications, such as design, color, or packaging.
- 08
Use sales forecasting or strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products, lines, or services, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in Kentucky
Metro-level salary data for marketing managers in major Kentucky metropolitan areas.
- Louisville$136,350
Compare Marketing Managers pay across nearby states
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Marketing Managers in Kentucky?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Marketing Managers in Kentucky is $128,930.
- How does Kentucky compare to the national median for Marketing Managers?
- The Kentucky median is -21.1% versus the BLS national figure of $163,329.
- What is the salary range for Marketing Managers in Kentucky?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,340 and the 90th-percentile at $204,550, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Marketing Managers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Marketing Managers?
- 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.