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Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.

This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.

BLS published a median for 305 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

  1. CEO / President (Manufacturing)$179,520
  2. Chief Operating Officer (COO)$179,520
  3. Senior Director of Operations$179,520
  4. Manufacturing Engineering Manager$161,170
  5. Process Engineering Manager$161,170
  6. Controls / Automation Manager$161,170
  7. VP of Engineering$161,170
  8. Director of R&D$161,170
  9. Director of Manufacturing Engineering$161,170
  10. NPI Manager$161,170
  11. Capital Projects Manager$161,170
  12. Lead Manufacturing Engineer$161,170
  13. Senior Industrial Engineer$161,170
  14. Senior Packaging Engineer$161,170
  15. Director of Automation$161,170
  16. Automation Manager$161,170
  17. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$161,170
  18. R&D Manager$161,170
  19. R&D Engineer$161,170
  20. Engineering Manager (Product)$161,170
  21. Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$161,170
  22. Lead Product Development Engineer$161,170
  23. CFO (Manufacturing)$135,760
  24. Corporate Controller$135,760
  25. Plant Controller$135,760

Bars show the top 25 of 305 ranked. The table below lists all 305. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Lexington-Fayette, KY, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
RankRoleBLS occupation25thMedian75thEmploymentLQ
1CEO / President (Manufacturing)Chief Executives (11-1011)$120,380$179,520$318,3102700.72
2Chief Operating Officer (COO)Chief Executives (11-1011)$120,380$179,520$318,3102700.72
3Senior Director of OperationsChief Executives (11-1011)$120,380$179,520$318,3102700.72
4Manufacturing Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
5Process Engineering ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
6Controls / Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
7VP of EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
8Director of R&DArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
9Director of Manufacturing EngineeringArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
10NPI ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
11Capital Projects ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
12Lead Manufacturing EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
13Senior Industrial EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
14Senior Packaging EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
15Director of AutomationArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
16Automation ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
17Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
18R&D ManagerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
19R&D EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
20Engineering Manager (Product)Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
21Senior Mechanical Design EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
22Lead Product Development EngineerArchitectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)$135,660$161,170$181,2503900.97
23CFO (Manufacturing)Financial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
24Corporate ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
25Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
26VP of FinanceFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
27Division ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
28Assistant Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
29FP&A Manager (Operations)Financial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
30Senior Plant ControllerFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
31Senior Cost AccountantFinancial Managers (11-3031)$107,120$135,760$172,6309400.6
32Purchasing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,370$128,910$155,1501400.89
33Strategic Sourcing ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,370$128,910$155,1501400.89
34Procurement ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,370$128,910$155,1501400.89
35Director of ProcurementPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,370$128,910$155,1501400.89
36Commodity ManagerPurchasing Managers (11-3061)$101,370$128,910$155,1501400.89
37Regulatory Affairs ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
38EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
39EHS DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
40Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
41Environmental ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
42Process Safety ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
43S&OP ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
44Trade Compliance ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
45Service / Aftermarket ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
46Environmental EngineerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
47Sustainability Manager / DirectorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
48Senior EHS ManagerManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
49EHS CoordinatorManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
50Director of PlanningManagers, All Other (11-9199)$97,640$128,870$165,4003200.28
51VP of Sales (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
52Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
53Director of SalesSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
54National Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
55Key Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
56National Account ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
57Business Development ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
58Territory Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
59Channel / Distributor Sales ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
60Product Manager (Industrial)Sales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
61Field Service ManagerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
62Senior Applications EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
63Lead Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
64Traveling Field Service EngineerSales Managers (11-2022)$85,470$124,860$175,1809500.81
65Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
66Plant Director / Site DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
67Assistant Plant ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
68Operations ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
69Manufacturing ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
70Production ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
71Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
72Plant Startup / Launch ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
73Sanitation ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
74VP of Quality / Chief Quality OfficerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
75Director of QualityIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
76Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
77QC ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
78Supplier Quality ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
79Quality Systems ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
80FSQA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
81FSQA DirectorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
82Food Safety Coordinator / SQF PractitionerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
83QA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
84Production SuperintendentIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
85Area ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
86Value Stream ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
87Department ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
88Sanitation SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
89Bilingual Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
90Second Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
91Third Shift Production SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
92QC Lab ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
93Validation / CQV ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
94CAPA ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
95Metrology / Calibration ManagerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
96Lead Quality EngineerIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
97Quality SupervisorIndustrial Production Managers (11-3051)$96,930$124,230$142,0308301.83
98PLC ProgrammerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$97,680$123,510$156,1801,4300.46
99MES EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$97,680$123,510$156,1801,4300.46
100SCADA / HMI EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$97,680$123,510$156,1801,4300.46
101Manufacturing Systems / OT EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$97,680$123,510$156,1801,4300.46
102Firmware / Embedded EngineerSoftware Developers (15-1252)$97,680$123,510$156,1801,4300.46
103Plant HR ManagerHuman Resources Managers (11-3121)$99,830$122,850$162,4802700.65
104Facilities ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$83,990$109,820$134,4101400.5
105Facilities EngineerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$83,990$109,820$134,4101400.5
106Utilities / Energy ManagerFacilities Managers (11-3013)$83,990$109,820$134,4101400.5
107Packaging EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
108Tooling EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
109Welding EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
110Plant EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
111Mechanical Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
112Packaging Development EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
113Plant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
114Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
115Product Design EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
116Product EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
117Systems EngineerMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
118CAD Designer / DrafterMechanical Engineers (17-2141)$81,950$103,820$125,5109001.65
119Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
120Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
121Industrial EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
122Yield Engineer (Semiconductor)Industrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
123Battery Cell Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
124Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
125Supplier Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
126Customer Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
127Design Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
128Validation EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
129Reliability EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
130Reliability ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
131Continuous Improvement ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
132Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
133Lean Six Sigma Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
134Director of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
135Supplier Development EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
136Lean ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
137Senior Manufacturing EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
138Senior Process EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
139Mold / Die Design EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
140Test EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
141Senior Quality EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
142Quality Engineering ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
143Quality Systems Engineer / SpecialistIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
144Maintenance EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
145EHS EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
146VP of Operational ExcellenceIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
147Director of Continuous ImprovementIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
148Lean Specialist / CoordinatorIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
149Master Black BeltIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
150Senior Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
151Lead Continuous Improvement EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
152Supplier Development ManagerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
153Material Flow / Logistics EngineerIndustrial Engineers (17-2112)$79,780$101,000$123,5301,1601.72
154Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
155Electrical Engineer (Plant)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
156Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
157Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
158Senior Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
159Lead Controls TechnicianElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
160Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)Electrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
161Lead Controls EngineerElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
162Controls SupervisorElectrical Engineers (17-2071)$79,760$98,160$120,7302000.56
163VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply ChainTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
164Supply Chain ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
165Materials ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
166Logistics ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
167Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
168Chief Supply Chain OfficerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
169Category Manager (Direct Materials)Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
170Inventory Control ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
171Senior Production PlannerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
172Senior BuyerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
173Director of LogisticsTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
174Transportation ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
175Warehouse SupervisorTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
176Shipping & Receiving ManagerTransportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071)$73,390$96,840$130,8502800.68
177Automation EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$82,950$93,400$115,7001100.4
178Robotics EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$82,950$93,400$115,7001100.4
179Machine Vision EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$82,950$93,400$115,7001100.4
180Product Development EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$82,950$93,400$115,7001100.4
181Applications EngineerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$82,950$93,400$115,7001100.4
182Applications Engineering ManagerEngineers, All Other (17-2199)$82,950$93,400$115,7001100.4
183Sales EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$76,540$91,880$146,660600.62
184Inside Sales EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$76,540$91,880$146,660600.62
185Proposal / Quotation EngineerSales Engineers (41-9031)$76,540$91,880$146,660600.62
186Project Engineer / Capital Projects ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$66,280$84,520$105,6902,0201.03
187Program ManagerProject Management Specialists (13-1082)$66,280$84,520$105,6902,0201.03
188Tool and Die MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$61,140$83,510$94,9602902.78
189Mold MakerTool and Die Makers (51-4111)$61,140$83,510$94,9602902.78
190VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
191VP of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
192Regional VP of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
193General Manager (Manufacturing)General and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
194Director of OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
195EVP / SVP OperationsGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
196Division / Business Unit General ManagerGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
197Director of ManufacturingGeneral and Operations Managers (11-1021)$54,680$80,440$125,4308,1001.25
198Safety Specialist / CoordinatorOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$65,080$79,950$107,4102701.03
199Industrial HygienistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$65,080$79,950$107,4102701.03
200Environmental Permitting SpecialistOccupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)$65,080$79,950$107,4102701.03
201Maintenance ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
202Director of MaintenanceFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
203Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
204Maintenance & Engineering ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
205Asset Management / CMMS ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
206Tool Room ManagerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
207Lead Maintenance TechnicianFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
208Senior Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
209Lead Reliability EngineerFirst-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)$60,390$78,270$106,8101,2801.12
210Cost AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,750$77,780$99,4901,8300.68
211Cost Accounting ManagerAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,750$77,780$99,4901,8300.68
212Senior Cost AnalystAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,750$77,780$99,4901,8300.68
213Inventory AccountantAccountants and Auditors (13-2011)$62,750$77,780$99,4901,8300.68
214Production SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
215Line LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
216Shift SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
217Packaging SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
218Production Team LeadFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
219CNC Machining SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
220Welding SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
221Packaging Maintenance SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)$59,850$76,410$96,7501,8901.52
222Overhead Crane Operator & RiggerCrane and Tower Operators (53-7021)$57,190$74,130$87,670500.59
223Quality Auditor / Lead AuditorCompliance Officers (13-1041)$55,550$71,700$86,8704700.61
224Document Control ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$55,550$71,700$86,8704700.61
225Regulatory Compliance ManagerCompliance Officers (13-1041)$55,550$71,700$86,8704700.61
226Formulation ChemistChemists (19-2031)$62,810$68,640$84,0901200.78
227Buyer / Senior BuyerBuyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)$53,520$66,800$83,4209101.01
228QC Microbiology ManagerMedical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (19-1042)$66,190$66,490$88,6101900.6
229MillwrightMillwrights (49-9044)$61,470$66,240$73,1601401.92
230NDT TechnicianEngineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other (17-3029)$54,020$65,660$65,660700.62
231Maintenance Planner / SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,760$64,660$78,3601,4101.97
232Production Planner / Master SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,760$64,660$78,3601,4101.97
233Inventory Control SpecialistProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,760$64,660$78,3601,4101.97
234Demand PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,760$64,660$78,3601,4101.97
235Supply PlannerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,760$64,660$78,3601,4101.97
236Production SchedulerProduction, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)$47,760$64,660$78,3601,4101.97
237Field Service EngineerIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
238Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
239Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
240Line TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
241Maintenance MechanicIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
242Multi-Craft Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
243Hydraulic / Fluid Power TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
244Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
245Predictive Maintenance (PdM) TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
246Forklift / Material Handling Equipment TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
247Maintenance Technician AIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
248Maintenance Technician BIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
249Maintenance Technician CIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
250Traveling MillwrightIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
251Filler OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
252Packaging OperatorIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
253End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
254Lead Packaging TechnicianIndustrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)$50,560$61,320$73,4908701.08
255Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) TechnicianHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)$48,260$60,280$76,5807400.98
256Logistics SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$47,570$60,070$75,4201,3301.15
257Shipping SupervisorFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)$47,570$60,070$75,4201,3301.15
258PLC / Controls TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$53,290$57,910$61,530900.75
259Robotics TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$53,290$57,910$61,530900.75
260Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$53,290$57,910$61,530900.75
261Semiconductor Equipment TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094)$53,290$57,910$61,530900.75
262Industrial ElectricianElectricians (47-2111)$43,750$57,320$67,3401,5001.08
263QC Lab TechnicianChemical Technicians (19-4031)$44,760$55,170$74,1501000.97
264Bioprocess TechnicianBiological Technicians (19-4021)$47,000$54,810$64,320500.36
265Production Welder (MIG)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
266TIG WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
267Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel)Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
268Welder-FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
269Fitter / Layout FitterWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
270Sheet Metal FabricatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
271Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
272Heat Treat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
273Plating / Anodizing TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
274Industrial Painter / Powder Coat TechnicianWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
275Foundry Molder / Melt OperatorWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
276Lead WelderWelders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121)$47,390$53,680$64,7404800.63
277CNC Setup MachinistComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161)$40,530$52,150$59,4601000.33
278Injection Molding TechnicianMolding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4072)$46,370$48,710$57,9603901.41
279Certified Forklift OperatorIndustrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)$39,380$47,490$62,4701,1500.81
280Flexographic Press OperatorPrinting Press Operators (51-5112)$42,220$47,400$57,9803501.3
281GMP Manufacturing TechnicianChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$45,690$45,820$57,7302701.05
282Aseptic Fill OperatorChemical Equipment Operators and Tenders (51-9011)$45,690$45,820$57,7302701.05
283Press Brake OperatorCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$39,080$44,440$46,0905701.79
284Die Setter (Stamping)Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4031)$39,080$44,440$46,0905701.79
285Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
286Quality TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
287CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
288Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
289Food Safety / QA TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
290First Article InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
291Receiving / Source InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
292Metrology TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
293Microbiology Lab TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
294Environmental Monitoring TechnicianInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
295Lead Quality InspectorInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
296Senior CMM ProgrammerInspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)$37,520$44,340$62,2202,1001.9
297Shipping & Receiving LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,530$43,690$48,2001,7501.16
298Hazmat Shipping SpecialistShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,530$43,690$48,2001,7501.16
299Warehouse LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,530$43,690$48,2001,7501.16
300Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,530$43,690$48,2001,7501.16
301Production / Material ExpediterShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,530$43,690$48,2001,7501.16
302Kitting LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,530$43,690$48,2001,7501.16
303Inventory Control LeadShipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)$36,530$43,690$48,2001,7501.16
304Sanitation TechnicianJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$30,000$35,460$40,2503,4100.84
305Sanitation LeadJanitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)$30,000$35,460$40,2503,4100.84

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Food Scientist, CNC Machinist, CNC Programmer, 5-Axis CNC Machinist, Swiss CNC Machinist, Robotic Welding Technician, Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Production Technician, Setup Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Process Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, Food Process Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Battery Cell Production Technician, Calibration Technician, CIP Technician, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Product Development Scientist, CNC Machine Operator, Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) Machinist, Manual Machinist, EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker), CNC Grinder / Precision Grinder, Lead Machinist, Machinist A, Machinist B, Machinist C, Senior CNC Machinist, Skilled Machine Operator, Utility / Relief Operator, Production Trainer (OJT Trainer), Senior Production Technician, Lead Production Technician, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter), Control Room (DCS) Operator, Batch Maker / Compounder, Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender), Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator, Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating), Retort / Thermal Process Operator, Brewer / Cellar Operator, Senior Process Technician, Lead Process Technician.

State figures for Kentucky

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Lexington-Fayette, KY. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

The Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area provides manufacturing wage data for key positions across several industrial sectors. The CEO / President position in this region has a median of $179,520, which is below the national median of $213,990. The middle band width for this executive role is $197,930.

Manufacturing Headhunters recognize that executive pay in this region often reflects local firm size and complexity, though specific local industry pay is not published by the BLS. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager role shows a local median of $161,170, while the national median is $171,270. The middle band width is $45,590, and the previous median was $156,300.

CFO compensation in Lexington-Fayette is $135,760, compared to the national median of $166,570. The local middle band width is $65,510. For manufacturing occupations in Lexington-Fayette, KY, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. Plant Manager compensation in nearby Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN is $125,680, while the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN median is $111,440. These regional points of reference assist hiring managers in understanding the local market market.

Shipping & Receiving Leads in Lexington-Fayette have a median of $43,690, which is very close to the national median of $45,260. The middle band width is $11,670, with a previous median of $40,270. Sanitation Technicians in the area earn a median of $35,460, which is slightly lower than the national median of $36,840. The local middle band width is $10,250. For manufacturing occupations in Lexington-Fayette, KY, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. For manufacturing occupations in Lexington-Fayette, KY, OEWS measures straight-time gross wages, not pure base salary or total compensation. Commissions and production bonuses are included; overtime, shift differentials, nonproduction bonuses and benefits are excluded.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Data methodology

How does the Lexington-Fayette Plant Manager comparison look between neighboring metros?

The Plant Manager median in Cincinnati is $125,680, while the Louisville median is $111,440. Both are key regional benchmarks for understanding manager pay profiles in the surrounding area.

What was the year-over-year median change for the Sanitation Technician role in Lexington-Fayette?

For manufacturing occupations in Lexington-Fayette, KY, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.

Does the BLS provide specific industry wage data for Lexington-Fayette?

No, the industry-specific wage cuts provided are national only. Local industry pay should not be asserted based on this data.

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Related wage comparison 8 · Data methodology

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