Sales Managers in Kentucky. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Sales Managers in Kentucky had a median annual wage of $120,500 in 2024, about 14% below the US median of $140,418. That gap is real, but it does not tell the whole story.
Kentucky's cost of living runs roughly 9% below the national average. After adjusting for what the money actually buys, the in-state median lands closer to $133,000 in national-baseline dollars. The headline gap shrinks to around 5%.
The spread between top and bottom earners is wide. At the 10th percentile, Sales Managers here earned $59,860. At the 90th, they earned $227,420. Top earners made close to four times what those starting out did. That kind of range usually reflects differences in industry, company size, and how much of total compensation comes from commissions or bonuses rather than base salary alone.
The mean wage of $140,670 sits well above the median. A smaller group of high earners pulls the average up. For most Sales Managers in Kentucky, the median of $120,500 is the more useful reference point.
BLS projects employment for this occupation to grow 4.7% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as average growth. Kentucky had about 6,950 Sales Managers employed in 2024.
Salary distribution
Where Kentucky sales managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $94,410 and $181,770, with a median of $128,650.
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Sales 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.
Sales Managers in Kentucky, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Technology and software leads with a median of $175,000.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology and software | TechSphere Solutions LLC | 2 | $175,000 |
| Manufacturing | Vogt Power International, Inc. | 1 | $160,000 |
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)
- 4.7 / 5
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Persuasion
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Direct and coordinate activities involving sales of manufactured products, services, commodities, real estate, or other subjects of sale.
- 02
Resolve customer complaints regarding sales and service.
- 03
Confer with potential customers regarding equipment needs, and advise customers on types of equipment to purchase.
- 04
Review operational records and reports to project sales and determine profitability.
- 05
Oversee regional and local sales managers and their staffs.
- 06
Determine price schedules and discount rates.
- 07
Prepare budgets and approve budget expenditures.
- 08
Monitor customer preferences to determine focus of sales efforts.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in Kentucky
Metro-level salary data for sales managers in major Kentucky metropolitan areas.
- Louisville$137,880
Compare Sales Managers pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare Kentucky with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Sales Managers in Kentucky?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Sales Managers in Kentucky is $128,650.
- How does Kentucky compare to the national median for Sales Managers?
- The Kentucky median is -12.3% versus the BLS national figure of $146,653.
- What is the salary range for Sales Managers in Kentucky?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $67,690 and the 90th-percentile at $236,990, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Sales Managers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Sales 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.