Bowling Green, KY Tops U.S. Cities for Tech Salary Growth

While tech hubs like San Francisco and New York often dominate headlines, a surprising southern U.S. city has quietly taken the lead in tech salary growth over the past decade, according to a new report by DesignRush.

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Tech Salaries Surge 50% in Bowling Green, Kentucky

This is exciting news! Tech workers in Bowling Green, Kentucky, have seen the biggest pay increase in the country over the last decade, according to a new report by DesignRush. The city topped a national ranking of 277 U.S. markets, with tech salaries rising an impressive 50.71% from 2014 to 2024, more than four times the national average.

At the bottom of the list, Dalton, Georgia, experienced a 26.5% drop in tech salaries, falling from $133,968 to $98,470.

Top 5 Cities for Tech Salary Growth:

Bowling Green, KY — +50.71%

Lafayette, LA — +49.03%

Panama City, FL — +48.64%

Kingston, NY — +45.41%

Naples-Marco Island, FL — +43.65%

DesignRush analyzed salary data for six core tech roles across 277 U.S. cities using adjusted figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Makes Bowling Green an Ideal Tech Hub

Beyond the impressive tech salary growth, Bowling Green offers a range of other advantages that make it an attractive destination for tech professionals. The city boasts a low cost of living, with affordable housing and no local income tax, allowing workers to keep a higher percentage of their earnings. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, thanks to shorter commutes, a slower pace, and easy access to outdoor activities, like Mammoth Cave National Park.

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Bowling Green is also home to Western Kentucky University, a key source of local talent that actively supports STEM education and workforce development initiatives. Additionally, the city’s growing tech ecosystem is complemented by robust manufacturing and logistics industries, providing diverse career opportunities. Combined with a welcoming, family-friendly community and cultural attractions, Bowling Green presents a compelling alternative to larger, more expensive tech hubs.

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Bowling Green Firefighters Team Up to Help Shelter Cats Find Homes

Who says heroes only wear helmets? The Bowling Green Fire Department has teamed up with the Warren County Humane Society to support National Adopt a Cat Month and help shelter cats find loving homes. Join the effort to boost cat adoptions and give these furry friends a second chance.

Gallery Credit: Barb Birgy