CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by KY Board of Healthcare

Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in Kentucky

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $58,450 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $58,450, Licensed Practical Nurses in Kentucky earn 6% below the national median of $62,340. Kentucky ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$58,450

Hourly estimate

$28.10
6% below national median

Difference: -$3,890

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,230
  • P2525th percentile$50,720
  • P50Median$58,450
  • P7575th percentile$62,340
  • P9090th percentile$69,310

State vs National Median

State: $58,450
National: $62,340

Total employment: 9,190 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking

#42 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$79,700
#2Rhode Island$77,940
#3Alaska$77,670
#4California$77,170
#5Oregon$76,570

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$58,450Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$63,690Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Ohio$60,990Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$49,850Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$62,310Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$54,530Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$59,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$66,030Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Indiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee68MediumState-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

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$82,220Degree requiredVaries by board
Anesthesiologist$280,130Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$51,550Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$90,950Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse 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 Licensed Practical Nurses in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Practical Nurses.

What education do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kentucky is $58,450. Salaries range from $46,230 (10th percentile) to $69,310 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Licensed Practical Nurses in Kentucky earn 6% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $58,450.

How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 9,190 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse 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 Licensed Practical Nurses 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 Licensed Practical Nurse license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.