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Verified 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 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nurse Practitioner in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).

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

    $113,870 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #47 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
  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 $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 Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$113,870

Hourly estimate

$54.75
12% below national median

Difference: -$15,340

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$89,760
  • P2525th percentile$102,060
  • P50Median$113,870
  • P7575th percentile$130,430
  • P9090th percentile$149,350

State vs National Median

State: $113,870
National: $129,210

Total employment: 4,710 | Annual openings: N/A

Nurse Practitioner Salary Ranking

#47 of 50 statesfor Nurse Practitioner median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$166,610
#2New Jersey$149,620
#3Alaska$145,450
#4New York$145,390
#5Oregon$144,600

Nearby States Comparison

Nurse Practitioner licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$113,870Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$128,280Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$126,740Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$121,640Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$124,210Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$108,420Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$126,370Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$128,620Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
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Athletic Trainer$51,550Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$90,950Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Nurse Practitioner 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 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. 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/.

How often do you renew a Nurse Practitioner license in Kentucky?

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