Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,640 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of 45,640, Funeral Directors in Kentucky earn 8% below the national median of $49,800. Kentucky ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$45,640Hourly estimate
$21.948% below national median
Difference: -$4,160
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#40 of 50 statesfor Funeral Director median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Delaware | 80,290 |
| #2 | North Dakota | 76,720 |
| #3 | Minnesota | 76,490 |
| #4 | Nebraska | 65,310 |
| #5 | Maine | 63,790 |
Nearby States Comparison
Funeral Director licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $60,430 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $49,360 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $50,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $60,360 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $44,670 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $44,830 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $60,680 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
9114 Leesgate Road, Suite 4, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5024264589
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $93,230 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $72,220 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $100,200 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $79,100 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director 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 exams are required for Funeral Directors in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Funeral Director licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Kentucky is 45,640. Salaries range from $26,530 (10th percentile) to $58,740 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Kentucky earn 8% below the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 45,640.
How many Funeral Directors work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 660 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Kentucky from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Funeral Directors in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Review agency details at http://kbefd.ky.gov/.