TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Director of Engineering Salary
in Lexington, KY

Lead engineering teams, set technical direction, and drive product development. Median salary in Lexington: $189K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$189K
per year
Take-home: $124K

Salary range in Lexington

Entry level (25th)$148,000
Median (50th)$189,000
Senior (75th)$239,000
Top earner (90th)$304,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Lexington, Kentucky.

Key facts for Lexington

Median salary
$189K
annual
Take-home pay
$124K
after fed/state tax
COL index
88
100 = US avg
State income tax
5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,200
per month
YoY growth
+6.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Lexington Director of Engineering to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $189K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Lexington

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Director of Engineering salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$158K$172K$186K$200K$214K201920212023202520272029
2026
$194K
projected
2027
$199K
projected
2028
$204K
projected
2029
$209K
projected
2030
$214K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$189,000+$0
2028 projected$189,000+$0
2029 projected$189,000+$0
2030 projected$189,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Director of Engineering Salary in Lexington, Kentucky: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Director of Engineering salary in Lexington, KY is $189,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Lexington–KY metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Director of Engineering in Lexington

Entry-level Director of Engineerings in Lexington with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $148,000 and $189,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $189,000 to $239,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $239,000 to $304,000 or more.

Cost of living in Lexington for Director of Engineerings

Lexington has a cost of living index of 88 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 12% further in Lexington than the national average. Kentucky has a 5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Director of Engineering

Bachelor's in CS or Engineering; 10+ years engineering; management experience. This role is 65% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Lexington-based professionals.

Director of Engineering salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Lexington (current)$189K88
Louisville$198K85
Bowling Green$172K80