Regional Wages Indicate Strong Workforce

02/12/2026

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MEDIA RELEASE

Contact:          Carter Hendricks

Executive Director

                        270-885-1499

Release:          February 12, 2026

Regional Wages Indicate Strong Workforce

 

The South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council (SWK EDC) has completed the 5th annual regional wage and skill survey as a strategy of the “Getting Ready to Win” (GR2W) initiative.  The wage and skill survey is shared with regional industries and large employers to determine the current wage and benefit structure as well as any skill gaps, etc. 

This year, twenty-four regional industries participated providing invaluable information and insight into the region’s manufacturing sector.  SWK EDC Associate Director Tony Prim commented, “We are thankful for the participating industries and pleased to see consistently strong wages and job opportunities within our regional manufacturing community.”

The SWK EDC utilizes the survey information providing greater directions to our workforce and industry partners to ensure the region has competitive wages and benefits and provides the educational and training opportunities to build the workforce of the future. 

Survey highlights include:

  • 32% industry participation in the annual wage and benefit survey.
  • Entry level processing/ operation positions stabilized, increasing slightly to $18.40 per hour on average.
  • Turnover statistics continued showing improvement at 11% industry average indicating a strong regional workforce meeting industry demand.
  • Maintenance, welders, and skilled technicians continued to see strong wage growth and opportunities averaging $23-$27 per hour with significant growth opportunity with experience maxing out at $31-$37 per hour.
  • The region continues to need more trained engineers with engineers commanding from $36-$57 per hour based on experience.

Additionally, the region has applied for nearly $6 million in state funding to assist with industrial site development in Chrisitan, Trigg, and Todd Counties.  Grant projects include design for a major wastewater improvement for Commerce Park II in Christian County, developing two pad ready sites at the John Walton Business Park in Todd County, and significant improvements to the I-24 Business Park in Trigg County.

“With the grand opening of Toyota Boshoku and Kitchen Food Company’s continued investment and construction, 2025 was another strong year for our region.  As a result, we’ve continued to celebrate more opportunities for our regional residents.  With the survey data, we’re also verifying that the regional workforce is meeting the needs of our industries, especially as turnover rates continue to improve,” shared Carter Hendricks, Executive Director, South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council.

For more information on this release, the SWK EDC, the region, and available sites, please contact 270-885-1499 or visit www.southwesternky.com.