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Verified by KY Board of Healthcare

Physical Therapist Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physical therapist 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 Physical Therapist 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

    Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $97,500 median (3% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #36 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Physical Therapist 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 Public Protection Cabinet~Board of Physical Therapy and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $97,500, Physical Therapists in Kentucky earn 3% below the national median of $101,020. Kentucky ranks #36 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

$97,500

Hourly estimate

$46.88
3% below national median

Difference: -$3,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$61,810
  • P2525th percentile$78,230
  • P50Median$97,500
  • P7575th percentile$108,400
  • P9090th percentile$121,590

State vs National Median

State: $97,500
National: $101,020

Total employment: 3,570 | Annual openings: N/A

Physical Therapist Salary Ranking

#36 of 50 statesfor Physical Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$123,300
#2Alaska$108,640
#3New Jersey$106,310
#4Nevada$105,170
#5Oregon$104,430

Nearby States Comparison

Physical Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$97,500Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$99,310Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$99,740Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$101,210Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$100,710Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$100,660Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$93,750Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$103,380Degree 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.
Ohio68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Tennessee78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Public Protection Cabinet • Board of Physical Therapy

312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 102, Louisville, KY, 40222

Phone: 5024297140

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 Physical Therapist 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 Physical Therapists in Kentucky?

Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physical Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Physical Therapist in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physical Therapist licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Physical Therapist salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Physical Therapists in Kentucky is $97,500. Salaries range from $61,810 (10th percentile) to $121,590 (90th percentile).

How does the Physical Therapist salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?

Physical Therapists in Kentucky earn 3% below the national median of $101,020, with a state median of $97,500.

How many Physical Therapists work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 3,570 Physical Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physical Therapist 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 Physical Therapists in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Public Protection Cabinet / Board of Physical Therapy. Review agency details at https://pt.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Physical Therapist license in Kentucky?

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