The rates, what they come to at six salaries, and how Kentucky compares with every other state, from the same tables as the site's paycheck calculator.
Kentucky taxes wages at a flat 3.5%. On a $75,000 salary that comes to about $2,625 a year, 3.5% of pay, before any state deductions or credits. That is the 34th highest of 51 on that salary, counting DC.
| Salary | State tax, single | Share of salary | Take-home, single |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,050 | 3.5% | $25,235 |
| $50,000 | $1,750 | 3.5% | $40,605 |
| $75,000 | $2,625 | 3.5% | $58,968 |
| $100,000 | $3,500 | 3.5% | $75,680 |
| $150,000 | $5,250 | 3.5% | $108,541 |
| $250,000 | $8,750 | 3.5% | $174,432 |
The state tax applies Kentucky's rates to wages before any state standard deduction, exemption or credit, and leaves out local income taxes, so where those exist the real bill is somewhat lower, or higher with a local tax. Take-home also takes off 2026 federal income tax at the standard deduction, Social Security and Medicare. Work out your own paycheck in Kentucky.
On a $75,000 salary the highest state taxes on wages are in Oregon ($6,244), Maine ($4,843) and District of Columbia ($4,775). 9 places tax no wages at all. Income tax is only one part of what a place costs: see prices, rents and pay in Kentucky.
Worth knowing: The flat rate fell from 4.0% in 2024 to 3.5% in 2026.
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Cost of living · Income tax · Child care costs
Metro areasLouisville, KY
Run the numbersTake-home pay in Kentucky · What a salary is worth in Kentucky · How much rent you can afford · What a car costs in Kentucky