Find a Job You Really Want In
When you think of Kentucky, you might picture beautiful landscapes, delicious home-cooked meals, and recreational activities. However, Kentucky also boasts a robust and growing economy with a diverse job market that has evolved significantly in recent years.
At Zippia, we delve into local economies to identify which sectors are thriving and which are lagging behind. This analysis is invaluable for job seekers and those considering relocating for work opportunities.
In this article, we reveal the top industries in Kentucky that are poised for growth and stability in 2026.
After analyzing current data, we present the five best industries for jobs in Kentucky:
Continue reading to discover how we identified these standout industries.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the Kentucky job market, check out:
- 20 Best Companies to Work For in Louisville
- Top 10 Places in Kentucky to Get a Job
- Best Jobs in Kentucky for Recent College Graduates
How We Identified Kentucky’s Best Industries for Jobs
Data-driven insights are essential in understanding employment trends. We conducted thorough research to gather relevant information on the Kentucky job market.
To pinpoint the best industries, we considered several key factors:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Job Stress Levels
Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Job stress levels were determined based on self-reported metrics from industry professionals. We ranked each sector from 1 to 22, with 1 being the most favorable.
By averaging these rankings, we established a ‘Best Industry’ index. The Healthcare Practitioners and Technical sector emerged as the leading industry in Kentucky.
For a detailed overview of our findings, please refer to the table at the end of this article. Now, let’s explore the reasons these industries excel in providing job opportunities.
Detailed List of Kentucky’s Best Industries
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $68,360 |
| 2 | Production and Manufacturing | $36,670 |
| 3 | Management | $93,670 |
| 4 | Education, Training, and Library | $50,520 |
| 5 | Architecture and Engineering | $70,280 |
| 6 | Office and Administrative Support | $33,370 |
| 7 | Legal | $75,830 |
| 8 | Transportation | $35,700 |
| 9 | Community and Social Service | $41,510 |
| 10 | Business and Financial Operations | $60,820 |
| 11 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $44,180 |
| 12 | Computer and Mathematical | $68,820 |
| 13 | Construction and Extraction | $44,330 |
| 14 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $55,230 |
| 15 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $20,570 |
| 16 | Sales | $34,020 |
| 17 | Personal Care and Service | $24,170 |
| 18 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $42,780 |
| 19 | Healthcare Support | $28,960 |
| 20 | Protective Service | $35,440 |
| 21 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $29,090 |
| 22 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $24,790 |
Summarizing Kentucky’s Top Industries
In conclusion, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical sector stands out as the most promising industry for job seekers in Kentucky. Conversely, the Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance sector ranks the lowest, primarily due to lower salaries and limited job availability.
For further insights, check out:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
