Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Education
Librarian Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for librarian in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Librarian in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources • Division of State Library • Public Librarian Certification Commission
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,860 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 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 North Carolina
With a median salary of 59,860, Librarians in North Carolina earn 7% below the national median of $64,320. North Carolina ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$59,860Hourly estimate
$28.787% below national median
Difference: -$4,460
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLibrarian Salary Ranking
#32 of 50 statesfor Librarian median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | 94,400 |
| #2 | California | 86,590 |
| #3 | Maryland | 81,690 |
| #4 | Nevada | 79,710 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 79,380 |
Nearby States Comparison
Librarian licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $59,860 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $74,320 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $59,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $73,500 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $60,050 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources • Division of State Library • Public Librarian Certification Commission
109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 9198146784
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $49,400 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $57,100 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $87,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Librarian in North Carolina?
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 Librarians in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Librarians.
What education do you need to become a Librarian in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Librarian licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Librarian salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Librarians in North Carolina is 59,860. Salaries range from $43,340 (10th percentile) to $80,270 (90th percentile).
How does the Librarian salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Librarians in North Carolina earn 7% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of 59,860.
How many Librarians work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 3,990 Librarians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Librarian 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 Librarians in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources / Division of State Library / Public Librarian Certification Commission. Review agency details at https://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ld/resources/public-librarian-certification.