Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

2026 maximum salary authorization calculations for county officials released

In accordance with the provisions of KRS 64.5275, the Department for Local Government (DLG) has calculated the annual compensation which shall be paid to certain county officials for the 2026 calendar year.

The compensation paid to County Judge/Executives, County Clerks, Sheriffs and Jailers is determined by a salary schedule containing nine levels corresponding to nine population groups and four salary steps for each population group.

The actual salary for any individual officer depends on (1) the population of the county in which he/she serves and (2) the number of years of experience, as certified to DLG. 

Maximum Salary Authorizations

In addition:
  • In accordance with the provisions of KRS 15.765, DLG calculates the maximum allowable annual compensation for County Attorneys - download
  • In accordance with the provisions of KRS 64.527, DLG calculates the maximum allowable compensation for Magistrates, County Commissioners, Justices of the Peace and County Coroners - download

Learn more about county official salaries in the Legislative Research Commission Informational Bulletin No. 115 (rev. September 2025) – County Government in Kentucky.


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