Legal Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Lawyer Salary in Kentucky

The median lawyer salary in Kentucky is $118,094 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary
$118,094
vs National
$-17,646
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Lawyer Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level lawyer earns around $60,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $191,400 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$120,060
$-17,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$191,400
$-28,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $56,550
25th Percentile $73,950
Median (50th) $118,094
75th Percentile $161,820
90th Percentile $208,104

Lawyer Salary by City in Kentucky

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

How to Become a Lawyer in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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