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Acupuncturist Licensing in North Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for acupuncturist in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Acupuncturist in North Carolina

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NC Acupuncture Licensing Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $73,100 median (6% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Acupuncturist 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.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NC Acupuncture Licensing Board and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in North Carolina

With a median salary of $73,100, Acupuncturists in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $78,140. North Carolina ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,298

Median annual salary

$73,100

Hourly estimate

$35.14
6% below national median

Difference: -$5,040

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,930
  • P2525th percentile$48,410
  • P50Median$73,100
  • P7575th percentile$80,060
  • P9090th percentile$95,680

State vs National Median

State: $73,100
National: $78,140

Total employment: 250 | Annual openings: N/A

Acupuncturist Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor Acupuncturist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Florida$183,530
#2Michigan$153,350
#3Massachusetts$135,250
#4Minnesota$124,640
#5New York$93,610

Nearby States Comparison

Acupuncturist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
North Carolina$73,100Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$78,140Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$78,140Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$60,440Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
South Carolina$78,140Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
North Carolina50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee64MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review 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

NC Acupuncture Licensing Board

2525 W. Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612

Phone: 9195822300

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in North Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Anesthesiologist$397,850Degree requiredVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$52,980Degree requiredVaries by board
Audiologist$79,460Degree requiredVaries by board
Cardiologist$427,200Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Acupuncturist in North Carolina?

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 Acupuncturists in North Carolina?

North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Acupuncturists.

What education do you need to become a Acupuncturist in North Carolina?

The board typically expects Degree required for Acupuncturist licensure in North Carolina.

What is the typical Acupuncturist salary in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for Acupuncturists in North Carolina is $73,100. Salaries range from $40,930 (10th percentile) to $95,680 (90th percentile).

How does the Acupuncturist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?

Acupuncturists in North Carolina earn 6% below the national median of $78,140, with a state median of $73,100.

How many Acupuncturists work in North Carolina?

North Carolina employs approximately 250 Acupuncturists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Acupuncturist license to North Carolina 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 Acupuncturists in North Carolina?

The licensing agency is NC Acupuncture Licensing Board. Review agency details at https://www.ncalb.com/licensure/.

How often do you renew a Acupuncturist license in North Carolina?

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