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Verified by KY Board of Business

Financial Advisor Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Financial Institutions

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,100 median (23% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of 79,100, Financial Advisors in Kentucky earn 23% below the national median of $102,140. Kentucky ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$79,100

Hourly estimate

$38.03
23% below national median

Difference: -$23,040

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,280
  • P2525th percentile$63,260
  • P50Median$79,100
  • P7575th percentile$161,970
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $79,100
National: $102,140

Total employment: 1,870 | Annual openings: N/A

Financial Advisor Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor Financial Advisor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York167,970
#2Idaho136,440
#3California128,650
#4Delaware128,170
#5New Jersey123,690

Nearby States Comparison

Financial Advisor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$79,100Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Indiana$101,670Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Ohio$82,100Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
West Virginia$77,790Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Virginia$99,990Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$89,390Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Missouri$84,040Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Illinois$104,310Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky78HighBoard-specific review required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Financial Institutions

500 Mero Street, 2 SW 19, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5025733390

Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$93,230Degree required6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$72,220Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$100,200No educational requirements6-24 months
Funeral Director$45,640Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in Kentucky?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in Kentucky is 79,100.

How does the Financial Advisor salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Financial Advisors in Kentucky earn 23% below the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 79,100.

How many Financial Advisors work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 1,870 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to Kentucky from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Financial Advisors in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Department of Financial Institutions. Review agency details at http://kfi.ky.gov/.