Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Healthcare
Physician Assistant Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician assistant 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 Physician Assistant in Kentucky
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- 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 Medical Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$110,300 median (17% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 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 110,300, Physician Assistants in Kentucky earn 17% below the national median of $133,260. Kentucky ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$110,300Hourly estimate
$53.0317% below national median
Difference: -$22,960
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPhysician Assistant Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Physician Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | 163,020 |
| #2 | California | 161,080 |
| #3 | Washington | 156,990 |
| #4 | New York | 152,650 |
| #5 | Oregon | 149,130 |
Nearby States Comparison
Physician Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $110,300 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $132,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $126,760 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $122,970 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $135,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $113,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $139,200 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $122,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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 | 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 Medical Licensure
310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 1B, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5024297150
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 Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistants in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Physician Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Physician Assistant in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Physician Assistant licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Physician Assistant salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Physician Assistants in Kentucky is 110,300. Salaries range from $53,040 (10th percentile) to $148,030 (90th percentile).
How does the Physician Assistant salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Physician Assistants in Kentucky earn 17% below the national median of $133,260, with a state median of 110,300.
How many Physician Assistants work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 1,250 Physician Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistants in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Medical Licensure. Review agency details at http://kbml.ky.gov/.