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Verified by KY Board of Healthcare

Physician Licensing in Kentucky

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for physician in Kentucky, including $50.00 and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

$50.00

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal ed annually

Licensing Blueprint for Physician in Kentucky

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must be a graduate from a medical school approved by the Board

  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    All medical schools located in the United States and Canada approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Canadian Medical Association are approved by the Board.

  7. 7

    Medical education obtained outside the United States and Canada is evaluated by the Board on an individual basis.

  8. 8

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Applications for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) available through regulatory agency.

  9. 9

    Examination for USMLE given in May and December by regulatory agency consisting of two (2) day examination.

  10. 10

    Application fee is $50.00.

  11. 11

    Examination fee is $375.00.

Exam and processing details

  • States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) available through regulatory agency

Continuing education and program notes

  • CERTIFICATION You must be of good moral character
Fee TypeAmount
Application fee$50.00
Examination fee$375.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Medical Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    $50.00

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal ed annually

  4. Salary Position

    $295,360 median salary

  5. State Salary Rank

    #15 of 48 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky eligibility requirements for Physician licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) available through regulatory agency.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Application fee is $50.00.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Application fee: $50.00; Examination fee: $375.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Commonwealth of Kentucky~Board of Medical Licensure and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal ed annually; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

The median salary for Physicians in Kentucky is $295,360. Kentucky ranks #15 among 48 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

$295,360

Hourly estimate

$142.00
National comparison unavailable

National benchmark data is missing for this profile.

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$114,100
  • P2525th percentile$209,160
  • P50Median$295,360
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $295,360
National: N/A

Total employment: 3,280 | Annual openings: N/A

Physician Salary Ranking

#15 of 48 statesfor Physician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Wyoming$373,100
#2North Dakota$347,240
#3Maine$344,170
#4Minnesota$323,830
#5South Carolina$320,620

Nearby States Comparison

Physician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Kentucky$295,360Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$302,970Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$231,300Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
West Virginia$228,680Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$255,970Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$294,790Degree requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Missouri$293,740Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$218,880Degree 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
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-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 Medical Licensure

310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 1B, Louisville, KY, 40222

Phone: 5024297150

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Physician 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 Physicians in Kentucky?

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

What education do you need to become a Physician in Kentucky?

The board typically expects Degree required for Physician licensure in Kentucky.

What is the typical Physician salary in Kentucky?

The median annual salary for Physicians in Kentucky is $295,360.

How many Physicians work in Kentucky?

Kentucky employs approximately 3,280 Physicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Physician 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 Physicians in Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Medical Licensure. Review agency details at http://kbml.ky.gov/.

How often do you renew a Physician license in Kentucky?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal ed annually.