Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Athletic Trainer Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for athletic trainer in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Athletic Trainer in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
Certification: Certification required.
- 6
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$52,980 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Athletic Trainer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to NC Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $52,980, Athletic Trainers in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $60,250. North Carolina ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$52,980Hourly estimate
$25.4712% below national median
Difference: -$7,270
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationAthletic Trainer Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Athletic Trainer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $77,350 |
| #2 | California | $74,150 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $70,930 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $67,090 |
| #5 | Texas | $66,430 |
Nearby States Comparison
Athletic Trainer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $52,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,200 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $54,040 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3 months |
| Georgia | $61,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $53,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners
P.O. Box 10769, Raleigh, NC, 27605
Phone: 9198335743
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Athletic Trainer 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 Athletic Trainers in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Athletic Trainers.
What education do you need to become a Athletic Trainer in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Athletic Trainer licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Athletic Trainer salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Athletic Trainers in North Carolina is $52,980. Salaries range from $40,210 (10th percentile) to $74,050 (90th percentile).
How does the Athletic Trainer salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Athletic Trainers in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $60,250, with a state median of $52,980.
How many Athletic Trainers work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 1,050 Athletic Trainers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Athletic Trainers in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Athletic Trainer Examiners. Review agency details at http://www.ncbate.org/.
How often do you renew a Athletic Trainer license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.