Did you know healthcare employs over 800 workers in Mayfield, making it the city’s top industry? With shifting economic trends, understanding local income and expenses is key for job seekers. This guide breaks down the latest data to help you plan your next career move.
In 2023, nearly 4,130 people worked across healthcare, retail, and manufacturing here. While wages vary, tools like RoboApply’s salary research simplify comparing offers. Remote work options and affordable housing—homes average under $144,000—add flexibility for residents.
Key Takeaways
- Healthcare leads Mayfield’s job market with 846 workers.
- Local wages differ from national figures; always verify with updated data.
- Use automated tools to apply for roles matching your income goals.
- Housing costs remain below the U.S. average.
- Manufacturing and retail offer steady employment opportunities.
1. Overview of Mayfield’s Economy and Workforce
Wholesale trade jobs in Mayfield pay $83k annually, outpacing other sectors despite fewer roles. The city’s economy relies on healthcare, manufacturing, and retail, each offering distinct opportunities. Updated 2023 data reveals how these industries shape local income levels.
Key Industries Driving Growth
Healthcare employs 846 workers, making it the largest sector. Roles here average $70k, with hospitals and clinics fueling demand. Wholesale trade, though smaller, leads in wages at $83,523—ideal for those prioritizing higher pay.
Construction and retail round out the top employers. Public sector jobs, like city administration, average $30k. Private industries often offer better earning potential.
Pro Tip: Use RoboApply’s industry-specific templates to tailor your resume for these growing fields. Mayfield’s 4,130-strong workforce reflects its resilience, with steady openings in trade and healthcare.
2. Average Salary in Mayfield, Kentucky: Key Figures
Public service roles in Mayfield offer stability but come with a noticeable pay gap compared to corporate positions. Recent data shows the median income for city employees sits at $36,894—significantly lower than private-sector equivalents. This disparity reflects broader trends in regional workforce compensation.

Where Government Jobs Fall Short
Police and fire department roles range from $2,600 to $47,000 annually, while Jackson Purchase Medical Center pays $26.69/hour—nearly 20% above municipal rates. Even top-earning city officials cap at $94,000, 60% below national benchmarks for similar positions.
Key factors driving the divide:
- Limited tax revenue restricts public sector budgets
- Healthcare and manufacturing dominate high-wage opportunities
- Statewide, Mayfield’s median earnings trail by 31%
Pro Tip: RoboApply’s ATS optimizer helps tailor resumes for private roles with better compensation levels. Focus on industries like healthcare to maximize your earning potential.
3. Highest-Paying Industries in Mayfield
Clinical roles in Mayfield’s healthcare sector offer some of the most competitive wages in the region. At Jackson Purchase Medical Center, hospital employees earn an average of $26.69 hourly—equivalent to $55k annually. Specialized positions like lab technicians command even higher rates, topping $37.84 per hour.
How Healthcare Wages Compare Nationally
Local pay levels for patient care roles exceed Kentucky’s median by 12%. For example, radiologic technologist roles (see career guide) earn 15% more here than in similar rural markets. However, urban hospitals still pay 20–30% higher, emphasizing Mayfield’s balance of affordability and income.
Pro Tip: Use RoboApply’s interview coaching to negotiate offers. Their templates highlight certifications and experience, boosting leverage for higher hourly rates.
Education vs. Healthcare: Competing for Talent
With teachers averaging $70k yearly, the education sector rivals healthcare for skilled employees. Both fields prioritize stability, but healthcare jobs often provide faster wage growth. RoboApply’s AI cover letter builder tailors applications to either industry, adjusting keywords for applicant tracking systems.
Key factors when choosing between sectors:
- Healthcare offers shift differentials and overtime pay.
- Education provides summers off but fewer advancement tiers.
- Both value continuing education—highlight relevant training.
4. Mayfield Cost of Living Breakdown (2025)
Living in Mayfield means stretching your paycheck further thanks to housing costs well below national benchmarks. With median home prices at $153,095—40% lower than the U.S. average—residents gain significant financial flexibility. This section unpacks key expenses to help you plan your budget.

Affordable Housing vs. National Averages
A typical mortgage payment here runs $1,209 monthly, manageable even on local income levels ($30k–$58k). Renters benefit too, with median rents at $511—half the cost of nearby Paducah. Use RoboApply’s cost-of-living calculator to compare neighborhoods.
Property taxes add minimal strain. Homes with mortgages pay $1,175 annually, while mortgage-free units owe just $726. For familys, this means more disposable income for essentials like childcare or education.
Key advantages for homeowners:
- Lower upfront costs: Graves County’s median home value is $153k vs. $256k nationally.
- Stable taxes: Rates haven’t spiked in 5 years, per local data.
- Dual-income households can comfortably afford 3-bedroom homes.
Pro Tip: If relocating, prioritize areas like Fancy Farm or Sedalia for even lower property costs. Mayfield’s living expenses make it a standout for budget-conscious professionals.
5. How Mayfield Salaries Compare to Kentucky and National Averages
Earning potential in Mayfield reflects a stark contrast when measured against broader benchmarks. Local median household income sits at $30,000—60% below the national average, per 2019 payroll data. This gap underscores the importance of role-specific research before accepting offers.
Construction roles buck the trend, paying $58k annually—32% above the state average. For context, similar jobs in Louisville average $52k. Use RoboApply’s salary comparison tool to identify roles that align with your income goals.
Pro Tip: Remote work bridges wage disparities. A marketing specialist earning $45k locally could secure $68k with a coastal employer. Adjust for Mayfield’s lower cost of living to maximize savings.
Key takeaways for job seekers:
- Compare offers using CPI-adjusted data to gauge real purchasing power.
- Prioritize industries like construction or healthcare for above-average pay.
- Leverage remote opportunities to offset local wage gaps.
“Rural markets like Mayfield offer affordability, but strategic career moves unlock higher earnings.”
Across Kentucky, wages vary widely. Paducah’s median household income is $41k, while Lexington hits $52k. Tailor your job search to industries defying regional norms.
6. Future Trends: Mayfield’s Job Market in 2025
The rise of distributed teams is reshaping earning potential in smaller markets like Mayfield. By 2025, remote work could account for 18% of all local jobs—a shift that doubles pay scales for tech and creative roles. ERI forecasts 12% wage growth for hybrid positions, outpacing traditional in-office economy roles.

How Infrastructure Enables Higher Earnings
Fiber-optic expansions and co-working hubs now support landscape remote work here. This means you could earn a coastal salary while enjoying Mayfield’s low costs. Key developments driving change:
- Remote-compatible jobs will grow 18% by Q3 2025—focus on digital marketing or IT support.
- Tech roles pay $72k+ locally when serving national employers, per ERI data.
- New training programs at West Kentucky Community College target high-rate skills like cloud computing.
Pro Tip: Use RoboApply’s Chrome extension to auto-apply for remote positions matching your skills. Their AI scans for roles offering 20–30% above local averages.
For career changers, RoboApply’s learning hub provides certified courses in high-demand fields. A 6-week data analytics program, for example, can qualify you for roles paying $65k—even with no prior experience. The job market here is evolving; adapt your strategy to capitalize on it.
7. Conclusion
Planning your next career move? Mayfield offers diverse opportunities from $30k to $83k across healthcare, manufacturing, and remote roles. Use this cost of living guide to weigh income against affordable housing—homes here cost 40% less than the United States median.
Prioritize growing sectors like healthcare or hybrid jobs to maximize earnings. RoboApply’s job tracker updates data daily, helping you target high-paying openings.
Ready to act? Optimize applications with RoboApply’s toolkit—from resume builders to interview prep. Make confident career decisions with real-time insights.
FAQ
What are the main industries in Mayfield, KY?
Manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture drive the local economy. These sectors provide stable employment opportunities for residents.
How does pay in public sector jobs compare to private sector roles?
Government positions often offer competitive benefits, while private sector roles may provide higher base wages depending on industry demand.
Which healthcare jobs pay the most in this area?
Registered nurses and specialized medical professionals earn above the local median, with salaries reflecting experience and credentials.
Is housing more affordable than national benchmarks?
Yes, property values and rental rates typically fall below U.S. averages, making homeownership more accessible for working families.
How do earnings here compare to statewide and national levels?
Wages generally align with Kentucky norms but trail slightly behind national figures, offset by lower living expenses.
Will remote work opportunities affect local pay scales?
Employers are adjusting compensation models to remain competitive as hybrid roles become more common in the workforce.