Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Healthcare
Nurse Practitioner Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nurse practitioner in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite)
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party 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 Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$113,870 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 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 113,870, Nurse Practitioners in Kentucky earn 12% below the national median of $129,210. Kentucky ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$113,870Hourly estimate
$54.7512% below national median
Difference: -$15,340
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNurse Practitioner Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 166,610 |
| #2 | New Jersey | 149,620 |
| #3 | Alaska | 145,450 |
| #4 | New York | 145,390 |
| #5 | Oregon | 144,600 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $113,870 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $128,280 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $126,740 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $121,640 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $124,210 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $108,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $126,370 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $128,620 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 56 | 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 Nursing
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5022719759
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $90,950 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $76,180 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $59,900 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioners in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nurse Practitioners.
What education do you need to become a Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nurse Practitioner licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Nurse Practitioner salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in Kentucky is 113,870. Salaries range from $89,760 (10th percentile) to $149,350 (90th percentile).
How does the Nurse Practitioner salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Nurse Practitioners in Kentucky earn 12% below the national median of $129,210, with a state median of 113,870.
How many Nurse Practitioners work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 4,710 Nurse Practitioners according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nurse Practitioner 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 Nurse Practitioners in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://kbn.ky.gov/.