Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,536▲ | $99,442 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.82▲ | $47.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,579▲ | $61,195 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,467▲ | $70,627 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,006▲ | $108,335 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,457▲ | $128,982 |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah is $2,094 (2.11%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -18.79% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $76,878,Paducah spans $67,787. Louisville/Jefferson County has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Paducah ($115,517 effective) pays 5.89% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($109,092 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,536/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,457)
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,517)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$91,350 (2019) → $97,960 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$86,576 (2024) → $95,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Paducah as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Paducah?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov