Salaries in Florence, KY
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 27 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
Hereโs a surprising truth about Florence: you can make a six-figure salary here and feel like youโre living in a city half the size. The software developers pulling in $125,000 arenโt outliers; theyโre just the most visible part of a quiet, practical economy.
Letโs talk purchasing power. Florenceโs cost of living sits at 94.1โthatโs about 6% cheaper than the national average. That median household income of $68,508 stretches further here than youโd think. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $846 a month. So, that COL-adjusted average salary of $59,508 isnโt just a number on a spreadsheet; itโs a down payment on a comfortable life, especially if youโre used to bigger city prices.
Whoโs thriving here? Itโs a mix. Youโve got the tech and healthcare roles that pay the mostโsoftware developers, nurses, accountants. But the backbone is the logistics and light manufacturing sector. Weโre talking big names like the Amazon fulfillment center and the industrial parks near the airport. They keep the unemployment rate low at 4.0%, and they provide a steady base of solid, if not spectacular, wages.
Now for the honest take: the catch isnโt the cost of living, itโs the wage ceiling. While the top-paying jobs are strong, the average salary across all roles is $55,998. Wages arenโt skyrocketing, but theyโre holding steady against inflation in a way you just donโt see in coastal markets. For families, especially those with one earner in a high-demand field like nursing or tech, this city is a financial sweet spot. For everyone else, itโs a stable, affordable base.
The data below breaks it all down. Look at the COL-adjusted figuresโthatโs where the real story of your paycheck lives.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Florence
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 27 Occupations in Florence
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (94/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation โ | Raw Salary โ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $125,007 |
| 2 | Accountant | $84,556 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $84,546 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $62,543 |
| 5 | Electrician | $60,460 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $60,391 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $52,150 |
| 8 | Medical Assistant | $49,115 |
| 9 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $49,115 |
| 10 | Paralegal | $49,115 |
| 11 | Welder | $49,115 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $49,115 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $49,115 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $49,115 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $49,115 |
| 16 | Plumber | $49,115 |
| 17 | Dental Hygienist | $49,115 |
| 18 | Carpenter | $49,115 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | $49,115 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $49,115 |
| 21 | Financial Analyst | $49,115 |
| 22 | HVAC Technician | $49,115 |
| 23 | Pharmacist | $49,115 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $49,115 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $49,115 |
| 26 | Construction Manager | $49,115 |
| 27 | Marketing Manager | $49,115 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Florence
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Florence?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Florence. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
โ Florence Salary FAQ
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Florence Worth It?
Honestly, Florence works financially if youโre in tech. Software Developers are crushing it hereโ$125K raw, $132.8K adjusted for the low 94.1 COLโwhile the average salary sits at $55,998. Rent at $846/month stretches that paycheck further than most mid-sized cities. If youโre in healthcare or trades, youโll live comfortably, but you wonโt see the same financial upside. My verdict? Florence is worth it if youโre a developer or any role that can tap into that tech premium. For everyone else, itโs a solid, affordable base, not a gold rush. If youโre considering the move, negotiate remote or hybrid optionsโCincinnatiโs right there if you need to level up your salary.