Application Fee
See agencyVerified by KY Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Kentucky
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse 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 Registered Nurse 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 Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$79,910 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 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 79,910, Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn 15% below the national median of $93,600. Kentucky ranks #39 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$79,910Hourly estimate
$38.4215% below national median
Difference: -$13,690
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#39 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | 136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | 123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | 112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | 110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $79,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $80,740 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $81,250 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $79,990 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $88,820 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $79,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $79,770 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $86,410 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | 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
Commonwealth of Kentucky • Board of Nursing
312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY, 40222
Phone: 5022719759
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 Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Kentucky?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Kentucky.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Kentucky is 79,910. Salaries range from $63,180 (10th percentile) to $104,430 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Kentucky earn 15% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of 79,910.
How many Registered Nurses work in Kentucky?
Kentucky employs approximately 48,170 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurses in Kentucky?
The licensing agency is Commonwealth of Kentucky / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at http://kbn.ky.gov/.