Ashland vs Louisville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Ashland, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,367▲ | $110,710 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.02▲ | $53.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,325▲ | $64,568 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,835▲ | $80,617 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,782 | $141,708▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,031 | $171,600▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Ashland and Louisville are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ashland and Louisville is $1,657 (1.50%). Ashland's median is -10.13% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $86,706,Louisville spans $107,032. Louisville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ashland ($125,831 effective) pays 1.50% more than Louisville ($123,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,367/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,831)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,600)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Ashland grew 25.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.6% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$86,652 (2024) → $108,410 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$99,305 (2024) → $106,811 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Ashland or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Louisville as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Ashland vs Louisville?
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