Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Education
Librarian Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for librarian 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 Librarian in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Varies by state board
- 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
Kentucky State Police • Justice and Public Safety Cabinet • Central Lab Branch
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,460 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 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 63,460, Librarians in Kentucky earn 1% below the national median of $64,320. Kentucky ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$63,460Hourly estimate
$30.511% below national median
Difference: -$860
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLibrarian Salary Ranking
#19 of 50 statesfor Librarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | 94,400 |
| #2 | California | 86,590 |
| #3 | Maryland | 81,690 |
| #4 | Nevada | 79,710 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 79,380 |
Nearby States Comparison
Librarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $63,460 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $48,880 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $57,130 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $48,640 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $74,320 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $59,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $53,600 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $62,360 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 | 54 | 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 | 54 | Low | 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
Kentucky State Police • Justice and Public Safety Cabinet • Central Lab Branch
100 Sower Blvd., Suite 102, Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5025645230
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $57,980 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $64,390 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $93,230 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $90,950 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Librarian 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 Librarians in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Librarians.
What is the typical Librarian salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Librarians in Kentucky is 63,460. Salaries range from $39,710 (10th percentile) to $81,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Librarian salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Librarians in Kentucky earn 1% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of 63,460.
How many Librarians work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 2,010 Librarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Librarian 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 Librarians in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Kentucky State Police / Justice and Public Safety Cabinet / Central Lab Branch. Review agency details at http://kentuckystatepolice.org/forensic-laboratory-system/.