Financial Analyst in Elizabethtown, KY

For Financial Analysts considering a move to Elizabethtown, KY, this guide cuts through the noise. We're not talking about a bustling financial hub like Chicago or New York. Elizabethtown is a practical, affordable, and stable market with a unique set of employers. Think of it as a place to build a solid foundation, not necessarily a place to chase the highest immediate salary.

As a local, I've watched this city grow steadily. We're the gateway to Fort Knox and the heart of Hardin County. The economy here is anchored by the military, healthcare, and light manufacturing. For a Financial Analyst, that means opportunities in corporate finance, government contracting, and hospital administration. It's a niche, but a deep one.

Let's get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Elizabethtown Stands

First, let's address the numbers directly. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Elizabethtown is $95,861/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.09/hour. This is below the national average of $99,010/year, but given our cost of living, it goes a long way.

The job market isn't overflowing—there are approximately 63 jobs for Financial Analysts in the metro area—but the 10-year job growth is a healthy 9%. This indicates stability and gradual expansion, not a boom-and-bust cycle.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level. These are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $82,000	Data entry, basic reporting, assisting with budget models, learning industry-specific software.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $105,000	Independent analysis, forecasting, variance reporting, presenting findings to management, mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$108,000 - $125,000	Strategic planning, complex financial modeling, leading teams, direct interface with C-suite, managing major projects.
Expert/Manager (12+ years)	$125,000+	Department leadership, setting financial strategy, M&A analysis, high-level stakeholder management.

How does Elizabethtown compare to other KY cities?

• Louisville: Salaries are higher (median ~$98,500), but cost of living is 15% higher. Competition is fiercer.
• Lexington: Similar cost of living to Louisville, with a median salary around $97,200. More focused on equine and tech sectors.
• Bowling Green: More aligned with Elizabethtown's cost of living but with a lower median salary (~$90,000), driven by automotive manufacturing.

Elizabethtown offers a "sweet spot" of competitive salary relative to a low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real about the paycheck. Earning the median salary of $95,861 in Elizabethtown feels very different than earning the same in a coastal city.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$7,988
• Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,800 (approx. 22.5% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Pay: ~$6,188
• Average 1BR Rent: $790/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): ~$150
• Groceries: ~$400
• Car Payment/Insurance: ~$500 (essential in this car-dependent city)
• Health Insurance: ~$300 (varies by employer)
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: ~$500
• Remaining for Savings/Investing: ~$2,548

This is a healthy surplus. The key is that $790/month rent is a game-changer. You're likely looking at a modern, clean apartment in a safe area for that price.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $95,861 salary, a 20% down payment on a $250,000 home is $50,000. At the median salary, saving $2,500/month, you could reach that in under two years. The median home price in Hardin County hovers around $245,000, making homeownership a realistic and attractive goal for a financial analyst here.

Where the Jobs Are: Elizabethtown's Major Employers

The job market here is specialized. You won't find a Wall Street satellite office, but you will find robust corporate finance teams in stable industries.

1. Fort Knox & U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC): The largest employer in the region. While many positions are civilian government jobs (GS scale), the ripple effect is massive. Defense contractors like General Dynamics and Raytheon have significant footprints here, all needing financial analysts for budgeting, contract management, and compliance.
2. Hardin Memorial Health (now part of Baptist Health Hardin): The region's primary healthcare system. Hospitals have complex financial needs—from managing reimbursements from Medicare/Medicaid to capital budgeting for new equipment. This is a steady source of analyst roles.
3. Kendall Energy (Nuclear Power Plant): Located in nearby Pleasureville, this facility provides high-paying, stable jobs in energy finance. The focus is on long-term capital projects and regulatory compliance.
4. Local Manufacturing & Logistics: Companies like Lipton (tea processing) and the sprawling Elizabethtown Industrial Park (housing numerous logistics and light manufacturing firms) need analysts to manage supply chain costs, inventory valuation, and operational budgets.
5. Regional Banking & Credit Unions: While not a major hub, institutions like L&N Federal Credit Union and Republic Bank have a strong presence. They need analysts for commercial lending, risk assessment, and branch profitability analysis.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward specialization. Generalist analysts are less valued than those with a background in government contracting (FAR compliance), healthcare revenue cycle management, or manufacturing cost accounting. Having a CFA or CPA can give you a significant edge.

Getting Licensed in KY

For most Financial Analyst roles, state-specific licensing is not a requirement. The title "Financial Analyst" is not a regulated profession like a CPA or CFP.

However, certifications are highly recommended and often required for advancement:

• Certified Financial Analyst (CFA): The gold standard for investment analysis. No state license needed, but the exam is global.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): If your role leans toward accounting, this is critical. To sit for the CPA exam in Kentucky, you need 150 credit hours of education, with specific accounting and business courses. The Kentucky Board of Accountancy (https://kycpa.org) oversees this.
• Series Licenses (7, 63, etc.): Only if you're working directly with securities sales or investment advising.

Timeline & Cost:

• CFA: 3-level exam process, typically taking 2-4 years. Cost: ~$3,000 total for all levels.
• CPA: 150-hour requirement (often a 5-year bachelor's + 1-year master's). Exam fees: $1,500, plus review courses ($1,500-$3,000). Kentucky requires 1 year of experience under a licensed CPA.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Elizabethtown is compact. Commutes are rarely more than 15-20 minutes. Your choice depends on lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Elizabethtown	Walkable, historic, with cafes and local shops. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$900 - $1,100	Young professionals who want walkability and a social scene.
North Ring Road	Commercial corridor with big-box stores and newer apartment complexes. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $950	Convenience shoppers, those who want modern amenities and easy highway access.
West Point/Muldraugh Area	Rural, quiet, near the Fort Knox gate. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$650 - $800	Those seeking lower rent, more space, and a quieter lifestyle.
Fredericksburg/St. John Area	Suburban, family-oriented, good schools. 12-18 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Analysts planning to start a family or who prefer a suburban feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Elizabethtown, career growth is about depth, not just title. You won't have 10 different companies to jump between, but you can grow significantly within a single organization.

• Specialty Premiums: Expertise in government finance (FAR/DFARS) can command a 10-15% salary premium over a general analyst. Similarly, healthcare reimbursement is a high-value niche.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Analyst to Senior Analyst, then to Finance Manager or Controller. Some move into Strategic Planning or Business Development. With Fort Knox's presence, moving into Project Management for defense contracts is a viable lateral move.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% growth is reliable. Expect demand to hold steady in healthcare and government sectors. The rise of remote work could allow Elizabethtown-based analysts to compete for higher-paying roles in Louisville or even nationally, while enjoying the local cost of living. I expect to see more hybrid roles, where you work 2-3 days in a local office (e.g., Baptist Health) and the rest remotely.

The Verdict: Is Elizabethtown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (Index: 89.4) makes salary go far.	Limited job market (only 63 analyst roles). High specialization required.
Stable, recession-resistant employers (government, healthcare, utilities).	Less networking opportunity than in a major metro. Fewer industry events.
Short, easy commutes and easy access to nature (Mammoth Cave, Red River Gorge).	Can feel "small-town" if you crave a bustling, anonymous city vibe.
Strong community feel and a great place to raise a family.	Salary ceiling may be lower than in Louisville or Lexington long-term.

Final Recommendation:
Elizabethtown is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance over chasing the absolute highest salary. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the high stress and cost of larger cities. It's a stepping stone for some and a destination for others. If you have or are willing to develop a specialized skill set (government, healthcare), you can build a very rewarding and financially secure career here.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to work as a Financial Analyst in Elizabethtown?
A: Not for most private sector jobs. However, for any role directly tied to Fort Knox, a defense contractor, or any government agency, you will almost certainly need to be a U.S. citizen and be able to pass a security clearance.

Q: What's the public transportation like? Do I need a car?
A: You need a car. Public transportation (Hardin County Transit) exists but is limited and not practical for daily commuting. Everything is spread out, and there's no real subway or train system.

Q: How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
A: Moderately competitive. There aren't dozens of openings, but also fewer applicants than in Louisville. Having a relevant internship and a certification in progress (like CFA Level I) will make you stand out. Networking with local alumni from the University of Kentucky or U of L can be very effective.

Q: Is there a strong professional community for financial professionals?
A: It's small but present. The local Kentucky Society of CPAs chapter has events, and there are occasional finance meetups. Many professionals also commute to Louisville for larger networking events (KY Finance Forum, etc.). You'll need to be proactive in building your network.

Q: How does the tax burden compare to other states?
A: Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 4.5% (as of 2023). This is lower than many states with progressive tax systems (like California or New York). Combined with low property taxes and a low cost of living, your overall tax burden is favorable.

Data sources referenced: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Zillow Rental Market, U.S. Census Bureau, Kentucky Board of Accountancy, and local economic development reports.