Creative & Education Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

College Professor Salary in Kentucky

The median college professor salary in Kentucky is $72,976 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$72,976
vs National
$-10,904
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

College Professor Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level college professor earns around $41,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,200 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,820
$-11,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,200
$-20,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $39,150
25th Percentile $52,200
Median (50th) $72,976
75th Percentile $104,400
90th Percentile $146,160

College Professor Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for college professors in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$77,170
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$78,008
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$70,459
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$68,782
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$73,814
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a College Professor in Kentucky

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find College Professor Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open college professor positions in Kentucky:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Kentucky

How much does a College Professor make in Kentucky? ▼
The median college professor salary in Kentucky is $72,976 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $39,150 (10th percentile) to $146,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,976, a college professor in Kentucky earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for college professors? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $41,760, while senior professionals earn $139,200.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Kentucky's median of $72,976 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($72,976) and Kansas ($72,976).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Kentucky earns approximately $41,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,820. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $139,200.
What city in Kentucky pays college professors the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for college professors, with a median salary of $78,008. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.