Project Manager in Elizabethtown, KY

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Elizabethtown, KY.

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The Salary Picture: Where Elizabethtown Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched the Central Kentucky job market for years, I can tell you that Elizabethtown offers a unique value proposition. It’s not a high-cost coastal city, but it’s far from a sleepy town. The salary for a Project Manager here reflects that balance. You’re not going to command a New York City salary, but your paycheck will stretch significantly further.

The median salary for a Project Manager in the Elizabethtown metro area is $98,059 per year, which breaks down to a solid $47.14 per hour. This is right in line with the national average for the profession, which sits at $101,280 per year. The slight difference is immediately offset by Elizabethtown’s low cost of living—a key factor we’ll break down later.

The job market is stable but not booming, with about 63 Project Manager positions listed in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is modest but steady, indicating consistent demand rather than volatile spikes. This is a market for those who value stability and a predictable career path.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salary typically scales with experience in the Elizabethtown area, based on local job postings and industry data. Remember, these are general ranges; specialized certifications (like PMP) or industry-specific experience (e.g., in healthcare or manufacturing) can push you toward the higher end.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $105,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$105,000 - $125,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$120,000+

Comparison to Other Kentucky Cities

To understand Elizabethtown’s position, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other major Kentucky metro areas. The data shows a clear pattern: higher salaries in larger, more expensive cities, but with a significant trade-off in living costs.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Typical 1BR Rent
Elizabethtown	$98,059	89.4	$790
Louisville	$102,150	92.1	$1,050
Lexington	$100,780	95.3	$1,100
Bowling Green	$92,300	88.1	$750
National Avg	$101,280	100	$1,600+

As you can see, Elizabethtown’s salary is competitive with the state’s larger cities, while its cost of living is significantly lower. You can make nearly the same as in Lexington but save hundreds on rent and daily expenses.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. A median salary of $98,059 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget?

First, the take-home pay. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer in Kentucky can expect to take home approximately $74,500 annually, or about $6,208 per month.

Now, let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary and living in a decent one-bedroom apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Earning $98,059/year)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,208	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	-$790	Average for Elizabethtown
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, water, internet
Groceries	-$400	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Assumes a modest car payment + insurance
Gas/Transport	-$150	Elizabethtown is car-dependent
Health Insurance	-$250	Employer-subsidized plan
Retirement (401k)	-$400	5% of gross salary
Discretionary Spending	-$1,218	Dining, entertainment, hobbies, savings
Remaining Buffer	$1,400	For debt, vacations, or extra savings

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a significant monthly buffer of over $1,400, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Hardin County (where Elizabethtown is located) is around $215,000. A 20% down payment would be $43,000. With a monthly surplus of $1,400, a Project Manager could save that amount in just over two years. A 30-year mortgage at current rates on a $172,000 loan would be roughly $1,100-$1,200 per month, which is very manageable on this salary. Many Project Managers in the area live in neighborhoods like Meadow Lake or North Ring Road, where homes are often in the $200k-$250k range.

Where the Jobs Are: Elizabethtown's Major Employers

Elizabethtown’s economy is diverse, anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. As a Project Manager, you’ll find opportunities primarily in IT, operations, and construction. The job market here is relationship-driven; networking is key.

1. Fort Knox: The economic engine of the region. While technically a military installation, it has a massive civilian workforce (over 15,000). Contractors like General Dynamics, Raytheon, and Booz Allen Hamilton are constantly hiring Project Managers for IT infrastructure, facility management, and logistics projects. This is a stable, long-term career path with excellent benefits.

2. Hardin Memorial Health (now part of Baptist Health Hardin): The largest healthcare provider in the region. They employ Project Managers for IT system implementations (like EPIC electronic health records), facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives. With the hospital being a central hub, healthcare IT project management is a growing specialty here.

3. Aisin Automotive: A major Tier 1 automotive supplier with a large plant in Elizabethtown. They need Project Managers for manufacturing line expansions, new product launches, and continuous improvement (Kaizen) projects. This is a great opportunity for those with a PMP and a background in lean manufacturing.

4. Houchens Industries: A massive, employee-owned company headquartered in Bowling Green but with a major presence in Elizabethtown. They operate grocery stores, convenience stores, and food manufacturing plants. They hire Project Managers for supply chain optimization, new store openings, and IT projects.

5. Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board: This organization manages workforce programs for the region. They often have project-based roles for implementing federal and state grants aimed at training and employment. It’s a different flavor of project management—focused on community impact and program delivery.

Insider Tip: The project management community here is small. Attend the local Project Management Institute (PMI) Bluegrass Chapter meetings in nearby Louisville or Lexington. You’ll meet hiring managers from Fort Knox and local manufacturers. Many jobs never hit public job boards.

Getting Licensed in KY

Kentucky does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers in the way it does for engineers or accountants. The profession is largely governed by credentials and certifications.

1. The Gold Standard: PMP Certification: The Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the most recognized credential. While not legally required, it’s often a prerequisite for senior roles at major employers like Fort Knox contractors and Baptist Health. To qualify, you need:

   • A four-year degree + 36 months of project leadership experience + 35 hours of project management education.
   • Cost: The exam fee is $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). The 35-hour training course can cost anywhere from $300 (online) to $1,500 (in-person boot camp).

2. Timeline to Get Started:

   • If you already have your PMP: You can start applying immediately. The credential is valid and respected everywhere.
   • If you need to get your PMP: The process can take 4-6 months. This includes completing the 35-hour education requirement, gathering your experience documentation (a time-consuming but critical step), submitting your application, and scheduling the exam. Use PMI’s online resources and local study groups in the Louisville area to stay on track.

3. For IT Project Managers: While not a license, IT-specific certifications like ScrumMaster (CSM) or PRINCE2 can give you an edge, especially with employers like Fort Knox IT contractors.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Elizabethtown depends on your lifestyle—whether you prioritize a walkable downtown, a quiet suburb, or a quick commute to Fort Knox.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Elizabethtown	Walkable, historic, with cafes and local shops. 5-10 min commute to most offices.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals who want an active social scene and a short commute.
Meadow Lake	Quiet, established suburb with single-family homes and parks. 15-20 min commute.	$750 - $900	Those looking to buy a home, value space, and don’t mind driving.
North Ring Road	Convenient, commercial area with newer apartments and easy access to I-65. 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $950	Commuters who need quick access to the interstate for travel or work at Fort Knox.
Radcliff	Located just north of Elizabethtown, heavily populated by Fort Knox personnel. More affordable.	$700 - $850	Ideal for Project Managers working directly on Fort Knox projects. The commute is minimal.
Hodgenville	A smaller, historic town 20 minutes north. Quieter, rural feel.	$650 - $800	Those seeking a slower pace of life and don’t mind a longer, scenic commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Elizabethtown is minimal except for the I-65 corridor during rush hour. If you work at a Fort Knox contractor, living in Radcliff or North Ring Road can shave 10-15 minutes off your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Elizabethtown is a place for building a stable, long-term career, not for chasing rapid-fire startup promotions. Growth comes from deepening your expertise and moving into leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries are found in specialized niches. An IT Project Manager with experience at a Fort Knox contractor can command a 15-20% premium over the median. Similarly, a Construction Project Manager with a PE (Professional Engineer) license will out-earn a generalist. The PMP certification itself can add a 10-12% salary bump in this market.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager, then to Senior Project Manager. The next step is often into a Program Manager or Director of Operations role, overseeing a portfolio of projects. In Elizabethtown, these senior roles are most common at the major employers listed above.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 6% job growth, the market is stable. The key driver will be the continued expansion of Fort Knox’s civilian operations and the growth of Baptist Health. Project Managers who stay current with technology (e.g., AI in project analytics, agile methodologies) and who build a strong local network will have the best opportunities for advancement. This isn’t a market where you job-hop every 18 months; you grow by delivering results and building a reputation.

The Verdict: Is Elizabethtown Right for You?

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all city. It’s a fantastic fit for some and a non-starter for others. Here’s a candid breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $98,059 salary provides a very comfortable lifestyle.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It’s a quiet town. For major concerts, pro sports, or diverse dining, you’ll drive to Louisville or Lexington (both ~45 min away).
Stable Job Market: Anchored by the government (Fort Knox) and healthcare, jobs are resilient to recessions.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is virtually non-existent. You will need a reliable car.
Short Commutes: The average commute is under 20 minutes. You’ll get your time back.	Modest Growth: Career advancement can be slower than in a major metro. The "network effect" is smaller.
Family-Friendly: Great public schools, low crime, and a strong sense of community.	Limited Tech Scene: If you’re in pure software/IT project management, the opportunities are fewer than in a tech hub.
Strategic Location: Easy access to I-65 means you can get to Louisville, Nashville, or Cincinnati in a few hours.	Cultural Homogeneity: The population is not as diverse as larger cities, which can be a factor for some.

Final Recommendation:
Elizabethtown is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values work-life balance, financial stability, and a family-friendly environment over the high-octane energy of a major coastal city. It is particularly well-suited for those in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, or defense-related project management. If you can build a career around the stable employers here and don’t mind a quieter lifestyle, the financial and personal rewards are substantial. If you crave the buzz of a startup scene, endless networking events, and a vibrant downtown, you may find it limiting.

FAQs

1. I’m not from a military background. Can I still get a job at Fort Knox?
Absolutely. The vast majority of jobs at Fort Knox held by civilians are through private contractors. Companies like General Dynamics, Leidos, and CACI hire Project Managers for IT, logistics, and facility projects. You don’t need to be a veteran, but you will likely need to be eligible for a security clearance, which the contractor will sponsor.

2. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers here?
It’s moderately competitive. With only 63 jobs listed, there aren’t dozens of openings at any time. However, the applicant pool is also smaller than in Louisville or Lexington. Having your PMP and tailoring your resume to local industries (manufacturing, healthcare, defense) will make you a standout candidate.

3. Is the salary of $98,059 enough for a family?
Yes, but it depends on your lifestyle. For a single-income family, it would be tight but doable, especially with the low cost of living. For a dual-income household where both partners are working, even at a modest salary, you would live very comfortably and be able to save significantly. The key is the affordability of homes and childcare compared to national averages.

4. What’s the best way to network in a small city like Elizabethtown?
Forget mass LinkedIn requests. The key is targeted, in-person networking. Join the local chamber of commerce, attend PMI chapter meetings in Louisville, and volunteer for community boards. The construction and manufacturing communities are tight-knit. A recommendation from a local business owner is worth more than a dozen cold applications.

5. Will I be isolated without a big city feel?
You will be, but it’s a trade-off. Elizabethtown itself has a charming, growing downtown with local breweries and restaurants. For a bigger-city fix, you’re an hour from Louisville’s NuLu district or Lexington’s Victorian Square. Many residents make this trip for a night out. It’s about shifting your mindset from "everything must be within walking distance" to "a short drive opens up new options."