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Workforce Development Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Workforce Development information

See Kentucky salary details

$25.2K

$57.3K

$113.3K

How much do workforce development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for workforce development in Kentucky is $57,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,900.00 and $74,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Workforce Development vs Career Counselor?

AspectWorkforce DevelopmentCareer Counselor
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in workforce or employment servicesTypically requires a counseling or career development certification or degree
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, community organizations, training centersEducational institutions, private practices, career centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by public and nonprofit sectors to improve employment ratesUsed by schools, private firms, and counseling agencies to guide individual careers

While both roles focus on employment and career paths, Workforce Development primarily involves creating programs and policies to improve employment opportunities at a community or organizational level. Career Counselors work directly with individuals to help them identify career goals and develop personal strategies. Understanding these differences helps job seekers and organizations choose the right support for their needs.

What is workforce development?

Workforce development refers to a wide range of activities, policies, and programs designed to create, sustain, and retain a skilled workforce that meets the current and future needs of employers. This field focuses on improving workers’ skills, connecting people to employment opportunities, and supporting career advancement. Workforce development can include job training, education, career counseling, apprenticeships, and collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. Its ultimate goal is to strengthen both individuals’ employability and the overall economic health of communities.

How do Workforce Development professionals typically collaborate with local employers and educational institutions?

Workforce Development professionals often serve as a bridge between local employers, training providers, and educational institutions. They regularly coordinate with businesses to identify current and future hiring needs, then partner with schools and community colleges to develop or enhance training programs that align with those needs. This collaborative approach ensures that job seekers are equipped with relevant skills and that employers have access to a qualified talent pipeline. Effective communication and relationship-building are key parts of the role, making networking and stakeholder management essential daily activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Workforce Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Workforce Development, you need expertise in career counseling, labor market analysis, and program management, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications such as CWDP (Certified Workforce Development Professional). Familiarity with workforce information systems, job-matching platforms, and data analysis tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills help professionals connect with job seekers and employers effectively. These skills ensure successful program outcomes, foster community partnerships, and enable individuals to achieve employment and career growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Workforce Development jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Workforce Development jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Workforce Development jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Workforce Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Workforce Development job openings in Kentucky as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,322 per year, or $27.6 per hour.
Workforce Development Consultant

Workforce Development Consultant

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$3K - $5K/mo

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Advertisement Closes
6/11/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
26-02575
Workforce Development Consultant
Pay Grade14
Salary
$3,600.84 - $5,401.34 Monthly
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Education & Labor Cabinet Department of Workforce Development
Location
500 Mero St
4th Fl
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet advances education, workforce development, and economic opportunityacross the Commonwealth. The Cabinet provides education and training programs, employment and reemploymentservices, unemployment insurance, and disability determination services to help Kentuckians gain skills, findwork, and maintain economic stability. It partners with education providers, workforce boards, and employersto align training with labor market needs and oversees labor programs that promote fair and safe workplaces.
The Department is searching for a Workforce Development Consultant to serve as the lead worker and monitorworkforce program activity to ensure Department agencies are meeting performance obligations as outlined inthe Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The individual will serve as the State Monitor Advocate and Outreach Coordinator for the Commonwealth'sMigrant Seasonal Farm Workers program as well as the initial complaint investigator for DWD. In addition tothe qualifications listed in this job posting, the Department is seeking applicants:
(1) Who are from Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker (MSFW) backgrounds; or
(2) Who speak Spanish; or
(3) Who have substantial work experience in farmworker activities.
Job duties:
  • Oversee and maintain the statewide workforce complaint system, ensuring accessibility and timelyinvestigation of complaints related to equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and service delivery.
  • Review and analyze workforce program data daily to identify programmatic issues and statisticalanomalies, comparing performance metrics to established benchmarks.
  • As the State Monitor Advocate, you will be responsible for overseeing statewide regulatory compliance fordesignated workforce programs, ensuring that all our programs meet the highest standards of service deliveryand non-discrimination.
  • Provide guidance and develop partnerships to update policies and ensure compliance with the Americanswith Disabilities Act (ADA) and Executive Order (EO) requirements.
  • Develop procedures for processing complaints in collaboration with the Office of Legal Services.
  • Oversee assigned projects and act as the liaison with service providers to ensure quality service andbudget adherence.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

This position will have access to confidential and sensitive information. The successful candidate will be required to ensure the safeguarding and security of all confidential and sensitive information and will be required to complete trainings, sign acknowledgements, follow all policies and adhere to all statutes and requirements pertaining to the safeguarding and security of confidential and sensitive information while employed and after employment ends.
The Education and Labor Cabinet (ELC) participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government withyour Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. ELC will only useE-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that ELC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities,please contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 999-897-7781 or https://dhs.gov/e-verify.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:Two years experience in reviewing, monitoring, determining eligibility for, and/or administering employment service or unemployment insurance programs, or experience in education, public administration, business, human services, military, human resources or a related field.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:A master's degree will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:Work experience in workforce programs such as WIOA, employment services, and/or unemployment insurance programs, or experience in education, public administration, business, human services, military, human resources or a related field will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):NONE
Working Conditions
Incumbents working in this job title typically perform duties in an office setting. Travel is required.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Michelle DeJohn at Michelle.Dejohn@ky.gov.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D