Professional Certifications & Licenses in Kentucky
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths in KY
Healthcare Careers in Kentucky
| Career |
License Required |
Median Salary |
Time to Complete |
Est. Cost |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
Yes
|
$37,330 |
4-8 weeks |
— |
| Dental Assistant |
No
|
$46,520 |
Varies (e.g., 6-month programs are available for expanded duties) |
— |
| EMT |
Yes
|
$36,050 |
3-6 months |
— |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
Yes
|
$58,450 |
1-2 years |
— |
| Medical Assistant |
No
|
$38,750 |
5-24 months (depending on program type and certification) |
— |
| Medical Coder |
No
|
$48,020 |
5 months to 3 years (depending on program type) |
— |
| Paramedic |
Yes
|
$36,050 |
Approximately 1.5-2 years |
— |
| Pharmacy Technician |
Yes
|
$37,630 |
1-2 weeks |
— |
| Phlebotomist |
No
|
$38,000 |
4-8 months for training program; 4 weeks for accelerated program (with prior experience) |
— |
| Radiology Technologist |
Yes
|
$64,840 |
2 years |
— |
| Respiratory Therapist |
Yes
|
$65,670 |
2-4 years |
— |
| Surgical Technologist |
No
|
$52,240 |
9-24 months for education program |
— |
| Dental Hygienist |
Yes
|
$77,440 |
2-4 years |
— |
Trades Careers in Kentucky
| Career |
License Required |
Median Salary |
Time to Complete |
Est. Cost |
| CDL Truck Driver |
Yes
|
$55,590 |
Varies (e.g., 4 weeks for training programs) |
— |
| Electrician |
Yes
|
$59,490 |
4 years of experience plus classroom training |
— |
| HVAC Technician |
Yes
|
$58,880 |
2-4 years |
— |
| Plumber |
Yes
|
$62,370 |
2 years |
$200 |
| Welder |
No
|
$49,260 |
Varies depending on training and certifications sought (e.g., 6 months to 2 years for vocational programs, 3-4 years for apprenticeships) |
$50 |
| Barber |
Yes
|
$48,930 |
1500 hours of training + 6-9 months apprenticeship |
— |
| Cosmetologist |
Yes
|
$32,170 |
Approximately 9-12 months for education, plus a mandatory 6-month apprenticeship. |
— |
| Massage Therapist |
Yes
|
$54,890 |
6-12 months |
— |
Professional Careers in Kentucky
Kentucky Certifications Ranked by Salary
| # |
Career |
Category |
Median Salary |
| 1 |
Dental Hygienist |
Healthcare |
$77,440 |
| 2 |
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) |
Professional |
$72,220 |
| 3 |
Respiratory Therapist |
Healthcare |
$65,670 |
| 4 |
Radiology Technologist |
Healthcare |
$64,840 |
| 5 |
Plumber |
Trades |
$62,370 |
| 6 |
Insurance Agent |
Professional |
$59,590 |
| 7 |
Electrician |
Trades |
$59,490 |
| 8 |
HVAC Technician |
Trades |
$58,880 |
| 9 |
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
Healthcare |
$58,450 |
| 10 |
CDL Truck Driver |
Trades |
$55,590 |
| 11 |
Massage Therapist |
Trades |
$54,890 |
| 12 |
Surgical Technologist |
Healthcare |
$52,240 |
| 13 |
Welder |
Trades |
$49,260 |
| 14 |
Paralegal |
Professional |
$49,000 |
| 15 |
Barber |
Trades |
$48,930 |
| 16 |
Medical Coder |
Healthcare |
$48,020 |
| 17 |
Dental Assistant |
Healthcare |
$46,520 |
| 18 |
Personal Trainer |
Professional |
$44,120 |
| 19 |
Real Estate Agent |
Professional |
$39,270 |
| 20 |
Medical Assistant |
Healthcare |
$38,750 |
| 21 |
Phlebotomist |
Healthcare |
$38,000 |
| 22 |
Pharmacy Technician |
Healthcare |
$37,630 |
| 23 |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) |
Healthcare |
$37,330 |
| 24 |
EMT |
Healthcare |
$36,050 |
| 25 |
Paramedic |
Healthcare |
$36,050 |
| 26 |
Cosmetologist |
Trades |
$32,170 |