Project Manager in Georgetown, KY

The Salary Picture: Where Georgetown Stands

As a career analyst who’s watched the local market for years, I can tell you that Project Managers in Georgetown, KY, are in a solid, if not spectacular, position. You’re not going to find the explosive growth of a tech hub, but you’re entering a stable, affordable market with a clear path to a comfortable living. The median salary of $99,183/year and hourly rate of $47.68/hour place you well above the national median, which is a testament to the cost of living advantage here. When you stack our median against the national average of $101,280/year, the difference is minimal—about 2%. In real terms, that $2,000 annual gap is more than offset by the significantly lower costs of housing and daily expenses.

To understand where you fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience in the Georgetown area. These figures are compiled from local job postings, industry surveys, and conversations with hiring managers.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Georgetown Salary Range	Key Local Industries Hiring
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $82,000	Construction, small manufacturing, local government
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Automotive supplier, healthcare, education
Senior	8-15 years	$105,000 - $130,000	Large manufacturing, regional construction firms
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$130,000 - $155,000+	Corporate HQs, hospital systems, major project developers

Compared to other Kentucky cities, Georgetown offers a unique value proposition. While Louisville and Lexington command higher nominal salaries (+10-15% for similar roles), the housing costs in those metros are 30-50% higher. In Frankfort, the state capital, salaries are similar to Georgetown, but the job pool is smaller and more government-focused. Owensboro or Bowling Green might offer slightly lower salaries, but Georgetown’s proximity to the I-75 corridor gives it a strategic edge for regional project work. It’s a classic case of “earn a top-tier regional salary with a bottom-tier cost of living.”

Insider Tip: Don’t fixate on the median. The $99,183 figure is a benchmark. If you have a PMP certification and experience in lean manufacturing or healthcare IT, you can command the upper end of the mid-career range ($105k+) from day one. The local market rewards specialized certifications, especially from the Project Management Institute (PMI). A PMP credential can add a 10-15% premium to your starting offer here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A $99,183 salary in Georgetown, KY, provides a genuinely comfortable lifestyle, but the real value is in what’s left after the essentials. Kentucky has a progressive income tax structure, but it’s currently in a phase of gradual reduction (from 5% to 4% by 2027). For this calculation, we’ll use the current effective rate of approximately 4.5% for a single filer, plus federal taxes.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a Project Manager earning the median salary, living modestly.

Category	Monthly Cost	Details & Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,265	$99,183 / 12 months
Taxes (Est. 20-25%)	-$1,750	Federal, State (KY ~4.5%), FICA. Actual depends on deductions.
Net Monthly Pay	$6,515	Your take-home after taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$837	The city-wide average. Can be as low as $700 in older complexes.
Utilities	-$180	Electric, water, trash, internet. Winter heating can spike this.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	Georgetown is car-dependent. Insurance rates are moderate.
Groceries & Household	-$500	For one person. Shopping at Meijer or Kroger, not boutique stores.
Health Insurance	-$300	Employer-subsidized plan. Higher if you’re on the ACA marketplace.
Discretionary	$4,298	This includes everything else—savings, entertainment, travel, dining.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The Cost of Living Index of 93.1 (US avg = 100) is your biggest asset. With a net monthly pay of $6,515, a Project Manager can comfortably afford a mortgage. Let’s say you target a $200,000 home (a very reasonable price for a 3-bedroom house in a good neighborhood in Georgetown). With a 10% down payment ($20,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a monthly principal and interest payment of roughly $1,135. Add taxes, insurance, and PMI (if applicable), and you’re looking at a total housing payment of about $1,500-$1,600. That’s well below the recommended 28% of gross income threshold ($2,314). In Georgetown, homeownership is not just a dream; it’s a standard, achievable milestone for a Project Manager with this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Georgetown's Major Employers

Georgetown’s economy is anchored by a mix of automotive manufacturing, healthcare, education, and a growing logistics corridor. The jobs in metro: 76 is a very tight number, but it reflects the focused nature of the market. You won’t be bombarded with listings, but the openings that exist are with stable, locally-rooted employers. Here are the key players:

1. Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK): The colossal presence in Georgetown. While the plant is in Georgetown, it supports the entire central Kentucky region. TMMK is the largest employer in the state. They hire Project Managers for production line efficiency, new model launches, facility expansions, and supply chain logistics. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on continuous improvement (Kaizen) projects and the transition to hybrid/electric vehicle components. Salaries here often exceed the median.

2. Georgetown Community Hospital (Part of UK HealthCare): The major healthcare provider. They manage construction projects for new wings, IT system implementations (like Epic EMR), and community health initiatives. Hiring Trend: Consistent. Healthcare is recession-proof, and UK’s involvement brings stability and capital for expansion projects.

3. Scott County School District: A massive district with ongoing bond-funded construction and technology upgrades. Project Managers are needed for new school builds, security system rollouts, and curriculum technology integration. Hiring Trend: Strong. Bond measures pass regularly, creating multi-year project pipelines.

4. G.E.T. (Georgetown Environmental Technologies) / Local Manufacturing: Beyond Toyota, Georgetown has a network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers (e.g., plastics, upholstery, electronics). Companies like Henderson Engineering (a local firm with national reach) and Key Plastics look for PMs to manage client projects and internal process improvements. Hiring Trend: Tied to the auto industry’s health. Currently stable with a focus on reshoring and supply chain resilience.

5. City of Georgetown / Scott County Government: Public sector projects range from downtown revitalization (like the Main Street program) to water utility upgrades and park development. Hiring Trend: Steady but cyclical. Jobs often open up with election cycles and budget approvals. The pace is slower than corporate but offers excellent work-life balance.

6. Logistics & Distribution: With easy access to I-75, Georgetown is seeing growth in distribution centers. While not always housed in the city limits, companies like Amazon (in nearby Walton) and other logistics firms hire regional project managers for facility setup and process optimization. Hiring Trend: Growing, but often hires from a broader regional pool.

Insider Tip: The best way to crack the Toyota supply chain network is through LinkedIn. Search for "Project Manager" at companies like Henderson Engineering, Key Plastics, or even local construction firms like Hagerman Construction. Many of these roles aren’t advertised on big job boards but are filled through professional networks. Attend the Central Kentucky Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter meetings in Lexington (a 30-minute drive). It’s the single best networking event for the region.

Getting Licensed in KY

For Project Managers, “licensing” is a bit of a misnomer. There’s no state-issued license like a PE (Professional Engineer) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant). However, professional certifications are the de facto license for credibility and salary advancement.

The key credential is the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard nationwide and in Kentucky.

• Requirements: You need a secondary degree (high school diploma) with 7,500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of project management education, OR a four-year degree with 4,500 hours and 35 hours of education. The 35 hours can be obtained through online courses (e.g., Coursera, PMI’s own resources) or in-person bootcamps, many of which are available in Lexington or online.
• Cost: The exam fee for PMI members is $405. Membership itself is $129/year. Non-members pay $555. The study materials (books, prep courses) can add $200 - $1,000, depending on the depth you choose.
• Timeline: From starting your application to sitting for the exam, the timeline is typically 3-5 months. This includes time to gather your project experience documentation, get your 35 education hours, and study for the exam.
• State-Specific Nuance: Kentucky does not have its own separate project management board. You apply directly to PMI. Once certified, the PMP is recognized universally. For public sector work (government, schools), your PMP will often be a preferred qualification in job postings.

Insider Tip: If you’re new to the field or your experience is light, consider the CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management). It’s a stepping stone that requires only 23 hours of education and no prior project experience. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door with local employers like the school district or smaller construction firms while you build the hours for the PMP.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Georgetown is a compact, easy-to-navigate city. Commute times are short, but the right neighborhood can enhance your lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For...
Westside / Downtown	Historic, walkable, older homes, near Main Street. 5-10 min drive to TMMK, 2 min to downtown.	$750 - $950	Young professionals, those who want walkability to cafes and restaurants. More character, less modern amenities.
Eastside / Royal Springs	Family-oriented, suburban feel, newer subdivisions, great schools. 10-15 min to TMMK.	$850 - $1,100	Project Managers with families or who plan to settle down. More space, quieter streets.
Northside / Cane Run	Mixed residential and light industrial, closer to the I-75 corridor for logistics jobs. 10 min to TMMK.	$700 - $850	Budget-conscious professionals, those working in logistics or supply chain. More commercial, less residential charm.
Southside / Elk Creek	Rural-suburban blend, larger lots, some newer builds. 15 min to TMMK and downtown.	$800 - $1,000	Those seeking a quieter, more private lifestyle with easy access to nature. Requires a car for everything.

Insider Tip: The rental market moves fast. For the best listings, drive the neighborhoods. Many rentals, especially duplexes and older houses, are “For Rent By Owner” and only get a sign in the yard. Check the Georgetown Community Facebook groups and the Scott County Rentals page on Facebook. Zillow and Apartments.com are good, but the local social media channels often have unlisted gems.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for Project Managers in Georgetown is one of stable, incremental growth (6% job growth). You won’t see the boom-and-bust cycles of coastal markets. The growth is tied to the underlying health of manufacturing, healthcare, and public infrastructure.

Specialty Premiums: To maximize your earnings, specialize.

• Construction/Civil PM: With ongoing infrastructure projects (roads, utilities, commercial developments), these PMs are in steady demand and can command a 10-15% premium over the median, especially with a PE license.
• IT/Software PM: A rarer but high-value role in Georgetown. Often tied to healthcare IT (UK HealthCare) or manufacturing systems. Remote work is a possibility here, allowing you to tap into national salaries while living in a low-cost area.
• Agile/Scrum Master: Growing in local tech and manufacturing firms adopting modern software development and product lifecycle practices.

Advancement Paths: The most logical path is from Project Manager to Senior PM, then to Program Manager (overseeing a portfolio of related projects) or Project Management Office (PMO) Director, especially within a large organization like Toyota or UK HealthCare. Another path is to move into Operations Management, using your PM skills to run a department or plant.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The key will be the resilience of the automotive sector. If TMMK continues its transition and maintains local employment, the ecosystem of suppliers and services will remain strong. The healthcare expansion (UK’s ongoing investment) provides a secondary, stable pillar. The biggest risk is a major downturn in auto manufacturing, but the diversified base of healthcare and government provides a buffer.

The Verdict: Is Georgetown Right for You?

Georgetown, KY, is a strategic choice for a Project Manager who values financial stability over career volatility, and affordability over urban excitement.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $99,183 salary stretches further here than in 80% of U.S. cities.	Limited Job Market: The 76 jobs in metro figure is real. It’s a small, competitive pool. You need a clear strategy.
Strong Anchor Employers: Toyota and UK HealthCare provide economic stability.	Car Dependency: Public transit is minimal. You need a reliable vehicle.
Short Commutes: 10-15 minutes is the norm, freeing up personal time.	Limited Cultural/Dining Scene: It’s a small city. For major concerts, pro sports, or diverse cuisine, you’ll be driving to Lexington or Louisville.
Path to Homeownership: The math works. A single PM can realistically buy a home.	Slower Pace of Change: Less innovation and fewer cutting-edge industries compared to larger metros.
Community Feel: Safe, family-friendly, and a strong sense of local pride.	Professional Network is Small: You must be proactive to build connections beyond your immediate employer.

Final Recommendation:
Move to Georgetown if you are a mid-career Project Manager (3-10 years of experience) with a PMP certification looking to buy a home, reduce financial stress, and enjoy a stable, family-friendly environment. It’s ideal for someone who is self-motivated to network and find opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear. If you’re a new grad seeking a dynamic, fast-paced launchpad or a senior PM at the peak of your career chasing a $200k+ salary, you’d likely be better served in Louisville or Lexington. For the right person, Georgetown is a hidden gem where your project management career can fund a truly comfortable life.

FAQs

Q: Is the PMP certification worth the cost in Georgetown?
A: Absolutely. It’s the single most important credential for breaking into the higher-paying roles at Toyota, UK HealthCare, and the school district. The $405-$555 exam fee and study time will pay for itself within your first year in a higher-salaried position.

Q: How competitive is the job market for a Project Manager new to the area?
A: It’s competitive due to the small size of the market, but not impossibly so. Your success depends on targeting the right employers and networking. The 6% job growth means positions do open, but you’ll need to be persistent. Use your time before moving to connect with local PMs on LinkedIn.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside of Kentucky while living in Georgetown?
A: Yes, and this is a growing trend. The low cost of living makes Georgetown an attractive base for remote workers. Many professionals here work for companies in Lexington, Louisville, or even out of state. This is a great way to access a national salary while benefiting from local living costs.

Q: What’s the commute like if I work at TMMK?
A: It’s incredibly easy. Georgetown is built around the plant. From most neighborhoods, you’re looking at a 10-15 minute drive, mostly on surface streets. There’s no major interstate traffic congestion like you’d find in a larger city. It’s a huge quality-of-life perk.

Q: Are there any local resources for professional development?