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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Software Engineer in Kentucky is $104,871 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Research Software Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Research Software Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $109,853 | $9,154 | $2,113 | $53 |
| Average | $104,871 | $8,739 | $2,017 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,473 | $7,789 | $1,798 | $45 |
Robert Half - Benton, KY
Control Touch Systems, LLC - Louisville, KY
Space Tango - Lexington, KY
Globe Tax Servicesorporated - Bowling Green, KY
A Research Software Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Research Software Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $66,635 |
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $82,842 |
| Research ... Level Research Software Engineer | $105,663 |
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $126,853 |
| Geologist... Level Research Software Engineer | $121,637 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Research Software Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Research Software Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Research Software Engineer positions in Construction or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Software Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $115,358 | $55.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $110,114 | $53.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Research Software Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $109,853 | $9,154 | $2,113 | $53 |
| Average | $104,871 | $8,739 | $2,017 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,473 | $7,789 | $1,798 | $45 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Research Software Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Rincon Research Corporation
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO
Rincon Research Corporation | GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO
Why Join Rincon Research Corporation (RRC). At Rincon Research Corporation, our primary business is innovating, developing, and fielding digital signal pro... more
4 Days Ago
Applied Research Solutions
HELTONVILLE, IN
Applied Research Solutions | HELTONVILLE, IN
Applied Research Solutions is seeking a Senior Software Engineer who has worked in an Agile Environment and has experience with JIRA and Confluence. This p... more
4 Days Ago
Toyota Research Institute
LOS ALTOS, CA
Toyota Research Institute | LOS ALTOS, CA
At Toyota Research Institute (TRI), we’re on a mission to improve the quality of human life. We’re developing new tools and capabilities to amplify the hum... more
5 Days Ago
Ad hoc Research
PLANO, TX
Ad hoc Research | PLANO, TX
Job Description: Position Title: Software Engineer Intern Position Overview: We are seeking talented and driven individuals to join our internship program.... more
6 Days Ago
A.O. Smith
SAINT FRANCIS, WI
A.O. Smith | SAINT FRANCIS, WI
A. O. Smith seeks a Research Engineer to develop innovative water heating and water treatment technologies for residential and commercial products. In this... more
3 Days Ago
Independent Software
MARYLAND, MD
Independent Software | MARYLAND, MD
What You Will Do: As a Software Engineer Level 2 or Level 3 at Independent Software, you will support the modernization of a mission-critical Java applicat... more
4 Days Ago
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