Application Fee
See agencyMarriage and Family Therapist Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 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
- Licensing Authority
NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$53,910 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work 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 Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $53,910, Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $63,780. North Carolina ranks #37 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
$53,910Hourly estimate
$25.92Difference: -$9,870
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | $135,870 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $89,030 |
| #3 | Utah | $81,170 |
| #4 | Virginia | $80,670 |
| #5 | Oregon | $79,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $53,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $80,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $45,660 | Degree required | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| Georgia | $58,830 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $51,440 | 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 | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | 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: 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 Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board
PO Box 10912, Raleigh, NC, 27605
Phone: 9195683014
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist 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 Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists.
What education do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina is $53,910. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $81,440 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $53,910.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 2,110 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist 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 Marriage and Family Therapists in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board. Review agency details at https://www.ncbmft.org/.
How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.