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Military Enlisted Salary in Louisville, KY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Louisville's cost of living (index: 87). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Louisville β€” Key Numbers

$35,670
Median Salary
$25,665
25th Percentile
$49,416
75th Percentile
$64,380
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-13.0%
Louisville median household income$59,600
vs. City household income-40.2%

Cost of Living in Louisville

Cost of Living Index
87(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$895/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio30.1%
Annual rent cost$10,740
Median Home Price$235,000
Home Price / Salary6.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$47,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Louisville

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
1,410,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
37.3
Median Age

Louisville has a metro population of 1,410,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Kentucky Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Louisville, KY?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Louisville is $35,670 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Louisville's cost of living index (87). The typical salary range runs from $25,665 (25th percentile) to $49,416 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $64,380.

Is Louisville affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $35,670 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Louisville would spend approximately 30.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($895/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $235,000 is 6.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Louisville's overall income?

Louisville's median household income is $59,600. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $35,670 earns 40.2% less than the typical Louisville household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Louisville has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.