Retail & Sales Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Sales Engineer Salary in Kentucky

The median sales engineer salary in Kentucky is $94,421 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $108,530.

Median Salary
$94,421
vs National
$-14,109
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Sales Engineer Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for sales engineer compensation. Sales Engineer salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $94,421 per year, sales engineers in Kentucky earn $14,109 less than the national median of $108,530.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $94,421 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $108,530 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: sales engineers at the 10th percentile earn $53,940, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $154,860 — a $100,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $100,933.

Nationally, sales engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for sales engineers across the country.

Sales Engineer Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level sales engineer earns around $56,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,900 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,550
$-8,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,700
$-14,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,900
$-22,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $53,940
25th Percentile $71,340
Median (50th) $94,421
75th Percentile $123,540
90th Percentile $154,860

Sales Engineer Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for sales engineers 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 Sales Engineer in Kentucky

Education

Most sales engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Technical KnowledgeSalesProduct DemosSolution SellingCRMClient Management

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, sales engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Sales Engineer Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Sales Engineer make in Kentucky? ▼
The median sales engineer salary in Kentucky is $94,421 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $108,530. Salaries range from $53,940 (10th percentile) to $154,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sales Engineer make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,421, a sales engineer in Kentucky earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for sales engineers? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for sales engineer pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level sales engineers earn $56,550, while senior professionals earn $147,900.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for sales engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for sales engineers is Hawaii at $184,501. Kentucky's median of $94,421 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($94,421) and Kansas ($94,421).
What is the entry-level sales engineer salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level sales engineer in Kentucky earns approximately $56,550 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $95,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $147,900.
What city in Kentucky pays sales engineers the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for sales engineers, with a median salary of $100,933. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.