Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Trades
Carpenter Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for carpenter in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Carpenter in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$50,860 median (14% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Carpenter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $50,860, Carpenters in Kentucky earn 14% below the national median of $59,310. Kentucky ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$50,860Hourly estimate
$24.4514% below national median
Difference: -$8,450
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCarpenter Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Carpenter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $85,970 |
| #2 | Illinois | $76,410 |
| #3 | California | $74,820 |
| #4 | Washington | $73,260 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $71,110 |
Nearby States Comparison
Carpenter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $50,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $60,510 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $58,310 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $47,320 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $50,220 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $49,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $61,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $76,410 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Indiana | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5022719759
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $72,320 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $39,940 | Degree required | 1 month |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Crane Operator | $55,100 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Carpenter in Kentucky?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Carpenters in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Carpenters.
What education do you need to become a Carpenter in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Carpenter licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Carpenter salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Carpenters in Kentucky is $50,860. Salaries range from $35,840 (10th percentile) to $68,520 (90th percentile).
How does the Carpenter salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Carpenters in Kentucky earn 14% below the national median of $59,310, with a state median of $50,860.
How many Carpenters work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 8,200 Carpenters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Carpenter license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Carpenters in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://kbn.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Carpenter license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.