Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Healthcare
Pharmacist Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for pharmacist in Kentucky, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Pharmacist in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Must be a graduate of an approved (all Pharmacy schools and colleges approved by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education are hereby approved by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy) college of pharmacy B
- 2
Must complete no less than one hour HIV/AIDS continuing education approved by the Kentucky AIDS Education Program, Cabinet for Health Services, prior to examination
- 3
Must score at least 75% on operative / practical examinations
- 4
Education: Degree required.
- 5
Experience: Work experience required.
- 6
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 7
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 8
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Must be a graduate of an approved (all Pharmacy schools and colleges approved by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education are hereby approved by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy) college of pharmacy B.S.
- 9
Degree in Pharmacy or an entry level Doctor of Pharmacy Degree and must file proof satisfactory to Board, substantiated by affidavits of completion of approved internship under the supervision of a currently licensed pharmacist, who is a certified preceptor.
- 10
Must complete no less than one hour HIV/AIDS continuing education approved by the Kentucky AIDS Education Program, Cabinet for Health Services, prior to examination.
- 11
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for application procedures.
- 12
Type examination
- knowledge, education, competency of applicants.
- 13
Examination fee is not to exceed the amount of $150.00 (does not include any direct costs for test materials and supplies).
Exam and processing details
- practical examinations
- and at least 80% on jurisprudence
Continuing education and program notes
- certified preceptor
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Pharmacy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$132,750 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Pharmacist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required practical examinations; and at least 80% on jurisprudence.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.; EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for application procedures.).
- 6. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Pharmacy and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Kentucky
With a median salary of $132,750, Pharmacists in Kentucky earn 3% below the national median of $137,480. Kentucky ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,180Median annual salary
$132,750Hourly estimate
$63.823% below national median
Difference: -$4,730
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPharmacist Salary Ranking
#43 of 50 statesfor Pharmacist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $165,150 |
| #2 | Alaska | $163,200 |
| #3 | Oregon | $163,120 |
| #4 | Washington | $157,020 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $154,610 |
Nearby States Comparison
Pharmacist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $132,750 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $138,690 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
| Ohio | $134,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $133,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $137,470 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $131,290 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Missouri | $137,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 21 years |
| Illinois | $135,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| 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 | 50 | 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
Official website verified
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Pharmacy
State Office Building Annex, Suite 300, 125 Holmes Street, Frankfort, KY, 40601
Phone: 5025647910
Related Careers in Kentucky
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $82,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist 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 Pharmacists in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Pharmacists.
What education do you need to become a Pharmacist in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Pharmacist licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Pharmacist salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Pharmacists in Kentucky is $132,750. Salaries range from $73,650 (10th percentile) to $163,620 (90th percentile).
How does the Pharmacist salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Pharmacists in Kentucky earn 3% below the national median of $137,480, with a state median of $132,750.
How many Pharmacists work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 5,310 Pharmacists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Pharmacist 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 Pharmacists in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Pharmacy. Review agency details at https://pharmacy.ky.gov/.
How often do you renew a Pharmacist license in Kentucky?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.