Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Frankfort, KY: $47.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Frankfort, KY runs $47.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,473 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Frankfort's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,684 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, electrical engineers in Frankfort, KY, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.82, which is notably lower than the national median of $60.11. This discrepancy reflects the regional job market and economic factors at play. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, such as positions within tech companies, defense contractor environments, or utility field roles, this hourly rate translates into a viable income, albeit modest compared to broader national trends. Electrical engineers working part-time, perhaps three days a week, may find themselves operating within an hourly range from $30.28 to $73.03, depending on their experience and the specific demands of their roles in hardware labs, simulation work, or defense facilities.
About the Frankfort Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.28 | $242.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.26 | $290.05 |
| Median (P50) | $47.82 | $382.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.44 | $475.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.03 | $584.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frankfort
Based on $47.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.82/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frankfort, KY can expect to earn approximately $99,474 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,389. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Frankfort.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frankfort
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,912.96 | $8,290 | $99,474 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,147.78 | $4,974 | $59,684 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $765.19 | $3,316 | $39,790 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Frankfort) | $47.82 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Frankfort, KY earn a median of $99,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.44% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 2.00% below the Kentucky state average of $101,503.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.82/hr = $59,684/year (purchasing power: $66,836).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,474/year (purchasing power: $111,393).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Frankfort (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Frankfort grew 22.4% from $37.69/hr (2019) to $46.14/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.57/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Frankfort metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Frankfort
For those engaged as per-diem or contract workers, financial prospects can vary greatly. Typically, per diem electrical engineer pay in Frankfort may fall within a range of $90 to $170 per hour, with specialized roles such as security-cleared positions within defense contracting commanding rates as high as $150 to $280 per hour. Contracting for advanced work in semiconductor design, particularly in areas such as board bring-up or signal integrity, can yield rates of $200 to $400 per hour. This flexibility presents a chance to balance financial gain against potential benefits offered in full-time roles, such as health insurance. Many engineers must weigh the trade-offs between the higher hourly rates of contract work and the financial security that comes with traditional employment in sectors like utilities or automotive. When negotiating hourly terms, being informed about the industry standards in Frankfort can significantly influence outcomes.
More salary data for Frankfort, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Frankfort in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Frankfort. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Frankfort is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov