Ashland vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,174 | $105,350▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.20 | $50.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,463 | $70,753▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,206 | $81,858▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,099 | $128,288▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,197 | $151,738▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 940▲ |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville/Jefferson County is $7,176 (7.31%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +1.80% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $79,734,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $80,985. Louisville/Jefferson County has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville/Jefferson County ($113,190 effective) pays 2.96% more than Ashland ($109,937 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,350/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,738)
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,190)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Ashland grew 28.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$74,758 (2024) → $95,658 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$82,440 (2019) → $102,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Ashland or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville/Jefferson County as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Ashland vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov