Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Healthcare
Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed professional counselor in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Public Instruction • Licensure Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$56,470 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Department of Public Instruction~Licensure Section and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $56,470, Licensed Professional Counselors in North Carolina earn 5% below the national median of $59,190. North Carolina ranks #36 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
$56,470Hourly estimate
$27.155% below national median
Difference: -$2,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLicensed Professional Counselor Salary Ranking
#36 of 50 statesfor Licensed Professional Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $79,220 |
| #2 | New Mexico | $70,770 |
| #3 | Oregon | $69,660 |
| #4 | North Dakota | $66,450 |
| #5 | Utah | $65,920 |
Nearby States Comparison
Licensed Professional Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $56,470 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,410 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $48,170 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $55,320 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $50,720 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of Public Instruction • Licensure Section
301 N Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 8005773310
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $73,100 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $397,850 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $52,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor 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 Licensed Professional Counselors in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Professional Counselors.
What education do you need to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Licensed Professional Counselor salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Licensed Professional Counselors in North Carolina is $56,470. Salaries range from $38,440 (10th percentile) to $83,790 (90th percentile).
How does the Licensed Professional Counselor salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Licensed Professional Counselors in North Carolina earn 5% below the national median of $59,190, with a state median of $56,470.
How many Licensed Professional Counselors work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 8,930 Licensed Professional Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Professional Counselors in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Public Instruction / Licensure Section. Review agency details at https://www.dpi.nc.gov/educators/educators-licensure.
How often do you renew a Licensed Professional Counselor license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.